APPEAL 


TO  THE 


AMERICAN  BOARD  OF  COMMISSIONERS 


FOR 


FOREIGN  MISSIONS. 


By  Rev.  J.  L.  MERRICK, 

TWELVE  YEARS  IN  THE  SERVICE  OF  THE  BOARD. 


SPRINGFIELD: 

PRINTED  BY  JOHN  M.  WOOD. 

18  47. 


fUttt  tiOUKd 

IS-' 

APPEAL 


TO  THE 


AMERICAN  BOARD  OF  COMMISSIONERS 


FOR 


FOEEIGN  AIISSIONS. 


By  Ret.  J.  L.  MERRICK, 

TWELVE  YEARS  IN  THE  SERVICE  OF  THE  BOARD. 





SPKIEGFIELD: 

PRINTED  BY  JOHN  M.  WOOD. 

1847. 


PREFACE 


In  the  following  narrative,  my  aim  has  been  to  present  a perfectly  fair  and  candid  view 
of  the  subject  discussed.  If  I have  mistaken  facts,  circumstances,  or  intentions  in  any  in- 
stance, I shall  be  happy  to  make  all  needed  correction  as  soon  as  I am  certified  of  the  error. 
I only  wish  the  Christian  public  to  understand  the  case  clearly,  and  to  arrive  at  a candid  and 
just  decision  in  the  premises. 

In  the  orthography  of  proper  names,  for  the  sake  of  uniformity,  I have  taken  some  liberty 
with  the  letters  from  which  I have  quoted. 

This  Appeal  (which  was  completed  and  originally  dated  on  the  21st  of  June,  1847,  though  its 
publication  has  been  for  a time  delayed,)  embraces  a general  view  of  the  missionary  cause  in 
Persia,  with  a full  account  of  the  author’s  late  relations  to  the  executive  of  the  American  Board  ; 
and  it  is  designed  to  vindicate  the  claims  of  truth  and  justice,  and  to  promote  an  enlightened 
interest  in  the  evangelization  of  the  whole  world,  and  especially  to  call  Christian  and  mission- 
ary attention  to  the  long  neglected  Mohammedans,  particularly  to  the  Persians,  who  are  the 
most  accessible  and  hopeful  class  of  that  great  and  once  terrible  sect. 

J.  L.  MERRICK. 


Monson,  Mass.  20  Oct.  1847. 


APPEAL. 


I HAVE  LABORED  IN  VAIN,  I HAVE  SPENT  MY  STRENGTH  FOR  NOUGHT,  AND  IN 

VAIN  ; YET  SURELY  MY  JUDGMENT  IS  WITH  THE  LoRD,  AND  MY  WORK  WITH 

MY  God. — IsA.  xlix  : 4. 

Such  is  the  desponding  conclusion  which  “the  evangelical  prophet’’ pro- 
nounces, not  merely  for  himself,  but  specially  for  Him  who  was  despised  and  re- 
jected of  men,  and  whom  it  pleased  the  Lord  to  bruise  and  put  to  grief.  In 
view  of  the  reproach  and  rejection  He  suffered  in  His  brief  eventful  ministry, 
how  often  had  the  Son  of  God  occasion  to  say,  I have  labored  in  vain,  I have 
spent  my  strength  for  nought;  while  in  the  full  consciousness  of  perfect  fidelity 
to  the  work  allotted  him.  He  could  appeal  to  divine  justice  to  reward  His  faith- 
fulness, however  human  perversity  might  have  rendered  it  unfruitful. 

Among  the  impressive  lessons  which  Christ  inculcated  on  His  apostles,  not 
for  their  benefit  only,  but  for  the  instruction  of  His  followers  in  every  age,  was 
the  solemn  truth  that  the  disciple  is  not  above  his  Lord,  but  must  expect  in  sim- 
ilar circumstances,  the  same  kind  of  rejections  and  trials.  “ If  they  have  called 
the  Master  of  the  house  Beelzebub,  how  much  more  shall  they  call  them  of  his 
household.”  Not  simply  pagans  and  infidels  would  engage  in  this  injurious  course, 
but  household  ties  would  be  sundered  by  prejudices  and  evil  surmisings 
which  would  arise  among  those  who  appeared  zealous  for  the  truth.  Satan 
would  take  every  advantage  to  sow  discord  among  brethren,  and  the  Gospel  of 
peace  itself  would  become  a fire,  not  only  to  consume  all  errors  without  the  vis- 
ible church,  but  occasioning  many  aflame  among  those  who  profess  to  serve  in 
all  sincerity  at  the  sanctuary.  Hence,  strife  and  contention  between  sects,  many 
of  whose  members  we  may  charitably  hope  are  living  and  fruitful  branches  of  the 
true  Vine;  and  hence  also  the  debates  and  disputes  which  too  frequently  occur 
between  those  who  profess  to  cooperate  together  in  the  same  Gospel  work. 

Men  judge  from  what  they  know  and  feel,  and  when  their  knowledge  of  a 
given  subject  is  imperfect,  and  their  feelings  biassed,  wrong  conclusions  are  inev- 
itable. In  such  cases  not  merely  individual  character  is  injured,  but  the  cause 
of  truth  and  righteousness  suffers.  But  the  great  Head  of  the  Church  will  over- 
rule even  human  infirmities  and  errors,  not  only  for  His  own  glory,  but  for  the 
ultimate  triumph  of  His  everlasting  Gospel.  Still,  each  of  his  followers  is  re- 
sponsible for  the  faithful  performance  of  the  work  committed  to  his  trust,  and 
when  a broad  and  enlightened  view  of  his  duty  requires  of  him  a conscientious 
and  decided  stand  in  defence  of  right  principles,  or  a candid  fearless  vindica- 


4 


lion  of  his  course,  he  should  not  shrink  from  the  task,  whoever  may  frown  on  his 
cause.  Every  honest  man  should  be  ready  not  only  to  explain  the  reasons  of 
his  own  conduct,  but  candidly  to  examine  facts  with  reference  to  another  before 
condemning  him  as  unfaithful  and  unworthy. 

Success  is  not  always  the  sure  witness  of  fidelity,  nor  the  want  of  it  an  infalli- 
ble mark  of  unfaithfulness.  For  the  Lord  of  glory  often  signally  failed  in  his 
labors  to  convince  and  convert  men,  and  some  of  His  disciples  have  reaped 
where  others  had  prepared  a harvest  to  their  hands.  Yet  success  wins  popular 
applause,  and  is  often  taken  by  an  inconsiderate  multitude,  as  Heaven’s  own  seal 
to  fame;  while  he  who  appears  to  have  failed  in  his  enterprize,  is  too  frequent- 
ly regarded  as  deeply  delinquent  and  broadly  marked  by  Divine  displeasure. 
But  whoever  can  truly  affirm  with  the  Great  Teacher,  my  judgment  is  with  the 
Lord,  and  my  work  and  its  reward  with  my  God,  may  well  say  of  unfounded  re- 
proaches, “ none  of  these  things  move  me.” 

Every  sincere  believer  in  the  Gospel  is  liable  at  one  time  or  another,  not  on- 
ly to  fail  in  the  proper  discharge  of  his  duty,  but  also  to  pass  through  scenes  that 
may  give  to  others  occasion  for  censure,  when  a correct  view  of  the  case  would 
lead  not  merely  to  his  acquittal  of  all  blame,  but  to  no  small  approbation,  for 
his  firmness  and  fidelity  in  such  trying  and  overwhelming  circumstances.  Es- 
pecially are  ministers  of  the  Gospel,  from  the  very  nature  and  circumstances  of 
their  profession,  exposed  to  such  trials  of  their  faith  and  patience ; but  most  of 
all  perhaps,  is  the  foreign  missionary  subject  to  misinformed  opinions  among 
his  brethren  at  home.  This  arises  in  a great  measure  from  the  amount  of  ig- 
norance,  which  even  many  liberal  friends  of  missions  labor  under,  in  respect  to 
the  real  condition  of  the  unevangelized,  and  the  actual  circumstances  and  work 
of  the  missionary.  If  words  and  acts  mean  anything,  not  a few  excellent  peo- 
ple literally  believe  that,  notwithstanding  admitted  difficulties  of  which  they  have 
no  definite  conception,  the  heathen  world  is  a vast  harvest  field  whose  ripened 
fruit  waits  in  more  than  passive  expectation  of  a gathering  hand,  and  that  con- 
verts may  be  accumulated,  like  the  miraculous  quails  by  the  Israelites,  just  in 
proportion  to  the  laborer’s  diligence  in  his  work. 

The  general  drift  of  much  that  flies  abroad  as  missionary  intelligence  is  suit- 
ed to  foster  very  unwarrantable  expectations  in  regard  to  labors  among  the  une- 
vangelized. I am  far  from  saying  that  all  accounts  are  of  this  character  ; but 
without  impeaching  the  motives  of  any,  and  fully  allowing  the  propriety  of  duly 
encouraging  the  religious  public  in  a good  work,  it  must  still  be  admitted  that 
the  impression  which  most  readers  get  from  a variety  of  missionary  communi- 
cations, is,  in  degree  at  least,  suited  to  mislead  the  judgment  on  important 
points  pertaining  to  this  great  subject.  'Lake  for  example  the  splendid 
scheme  for  the  world’s  conversion,  published  in  the  27th  Annual  Report  of  the 
American  Board  for  1836.  Who  that  gives  his  heart  to  follow  the  beautiful  path 
of  this  plan,  till  it  ushers  him  to  a glorious  jubilee  of  converted  nations  congre- 
gated on  “ the  mountains  of  the  moon,”  is  not  almost  instinctively  led  to  ac- 


5 


quiesce  ia  the  calculation  of  men  and  means  necessary  to  achieve  such  a millen- 
nial consummation,  without  inquiring  whether  a zealous  evangelist  can  now 
preach  publicly  at  Rome  or  Mekkah,  or  enforce  his  proclamation  of  truth  in 
the  Turkish  Deevan,  or  temple  of  the  Grand  Lama  of  Thibet.  Where  God  in 
His  providence  permits  the  way  of  truth  to  be  hedged  up,  beautiful  theories 
were  never  yet  known  to  open  the  highway  of  salvation. 

Yet  the  indefinite  impression  that  an  ideal  plan  is  perfect,  must  necessarily  lead 
to  false  conclusions  in  reference  to  the  actual  missionary  and  his  practical  work. 
If  he  labors  in  vain,  and  spends  his  strength  for  nought,  how  natural  it  is  for  those 
whose  eye  is  filled  with  theoretic  harvests  to  impeach  his  fidelity  and  miscon- 
strue his  statements.  Notwithstanding  pious  salvos  about  the  necessity  of  God’s 
blessing,  the  ideal  of  their  mind  is,  that  the  man  and  the  means  should  of  course 
have  accomplished  such  and  such  an  important  work,  but  inasmuch  as  he  has 
not  achieved  the  wished  for  enterprize,  he  must  consequently  be  culpable  of 
great  deficiency  and  neglect. 

This  vague  and  unreasonable  impression  may  embrace  not  only  the  mission- 
ary, but  the  people  among  w'hora  he  has  labored  ; not  merely  is  he  deemed 
guilty  for  not  converting  them,  but  they  may  be  regarded  as  hopelessly  harden- 
ed for  not  being  converted  by  him  ; and  hence,  misguided  zeal,  while  condemn- 
ing the  missionary  for  alledged  unfaithfulness,  may  with  kindred  consistency  con- 
clude to  abandon  a people  as  given  up  of  God,  because  a favorite  scheme  for 
converting  them  was  found,  in  the  circumstances,  to  be  inapplicable  and  ineffi- 
cient. In  such  a case,  it  is  less  important,  to  the  great  interests  of  benevolence, 
that  an  erroneous  opinion  respecting  the  misjudged  missionary  should  be  cor- 
rected, than  that  a nation  should  not  be  given  up  as  incorrigible  and  sealed 
with  judicial  condemnation  by  the  Most  High.  The  grand  commission  of  the 
Church  is  to  “ disciple  all  nations,”  and  impart  the  Gospel  to  every  tribe  as 
they  are  able  to  bear  it,  and  to  persevere  in  wisdom  and  love  so  long  as  Provi- 
dence allows  opportunity.  Unevangelized  nations  should  be  treated  like  uncon- 
verted individuals  at  home,  and  not  be  cast  off  too  suddenly,  although  they  may 
have  been  long  and  obstinately  opposed  to  the  truth. 

The  history  of  missionary  and  providential  events  in  Persia,  and  the  late  de- 
cision of  the  executive  of  the  American  Board  to  abandon  that  field,  seems  to  re- 
quire an  investigation,  as  well  as  the  principles  on  which  the  said  executive 
proceeded  in  recalling  the  only  missionary  they  have  ever  sent  to  the  Persians. 
It  may  be  premised  that  Christianity  was  planted  in  the  Persian  empire  by 
apostolic  labor,  and  that  in  the  early  centuries  of  the  church,  great  numbers  of 
professed  Christians  were  found,  and  sometimes  fearfully  persecuted  in  that 
country.  The  Mohammedan  conquest  of  Persia,  in  the  seventh  century,  pre- 
pared the  way  for  diminishing  those  who  denied  not  the  name  of  Jesus  to  a small 
and  oppressed  remnant,  who  were  left  to  struggle  for  existence  through  many  a 
long  night  of  tribulation  and  sorrow.  In  the  beginning  of  the  seventeenth  cen- 
tury, a large  colony  of  Armenians  having  been  transplanted  by  Persian  arms  to 


6 


IsfahSn,  then  the  capital  of  Persia,  a number  of  Catholic  missionaries  finally 
settled  among  them,  and  a portion  of  that  community  now  adhere  to  the  Papal 
See.  The  Catholics  as  well  as  the  Nestorians,  were  also  very  active,  and  had 
numerous  adherents  in  Tfttary  and  Persia,  for  a long  period  previous  to  the  final 
triumph  of  Islam  in  those  regions,  soon  after  the  reign  of  Chengeez  Khan,  in 
the  thirteenth  century. 

The  first  Protestant  missionary  to  Persia  was  the  talented  and  pious  Henry 
Martyn,  who,  in  June,  1811,  reached  Sheeraz  a southern  city  of  the  kingdom, 
where  with  great  industry  he  completed  a translation  of  the  New  Testament  and 
Psalms  into  the  Persian  language.  His  learning  and  piety  won  him  much  re- 
spect from  the  followers  of  Islam,  and  although  there  is  no  valid  evidence  to 
show  that  a single  Persian  was  converted  by  his  instrumentality,  yet  during  his 
brief  sojourn  in  that  country  he  accomplished  much  preparatory  work,  and  went 
to  his  reward  from  Tocat,  a Turkish  town,  on  the  16th  of  October,  1812.  His 
name  is  embalmed  in  the  hearts  of  thousands,  but  his  best  record  is  on  high. 
The  ardent  peruser  of  his  memoir  may  suppose  that  a much  stronger  and  more 
permanent  impression  of  that  good  man’s  labors  in  Persia,  must  still  be  obvious 
there,  than  a candid  inquirer  following  his  career  is  now  able  to  trace.  But  if 
no  churches  planted  by  Martyn’s  ministry  stand  as  monuments  of  his  zeal  and 
devotedness,  if  few  individuals  remember  to  have  seen  him,  or  now  even  hear 
of  his  name  and  sojourn  in  that  land  of  his  faithful  labors,  still  he  there  accom- 
plished an  important  task  and  finished  the  work  given  him  to  do.  In  1837  his 
Persian  assistant,  Meerzfi  Sayyid  Aly,  was  living  at  Sheeraz,  and  cherished  the 
highest  admiration  for  Martyn,  without  however  renouncing  Mohammedism. 
Such  another  friend  of  that  “ man  of  God,”  I found  nowhere  among  the  follow- 
ers of  Islam.  Had  Martyn  lived  for  twenty  years  in  Persia,  he  might  by  divine 
grace  have  persuaded  many  to  be  almost,  and  some  be  altogether  Christians. 
And  what  a dawn  it  had  been  to  a hopeful  day. 

The  Rev.  C.  G.  Pfander,  a German  missionary,  was  the  next  laborer  in  this 
neglected  field.  He  visited  Persia  in  1829,  and  at  intervals  for  a few  years  so- 
journed in  that  country,  meanwhile  passing  part  of  his  time  at  Shooshah  in 
Georgia,  where  his  brethren  once  had  a flourishing  mission.  This  learned  and 
devoted  missionary  was  zealous  in  his  labors  to  promote  Gospel  truth,  and  at 
Kermhnshah,  a city  in  the  western  part  of  Persia  was  near  sealing  his  testimony 
with  his  blood,  but  a gracious  Providence  preserved  him  for  more  protracted 
labors.  He  wrote  and  published  a large  controversial  work  entitled  The  Bal- 
ance of  Truth,  exhibiting  the  evidences  of  Christianity  and  Mohammedism,  and 
showing  the  great  preponderance  of  the  former.  In  1837,  Mr.  Pfander,  with 
a brother  missionary,  passed  again  through  Persia  on  his  way  to  India  where  he 
has  published  several  important  treatises  on  various  points  of  our  controversy 
with  Mohammedans.  Long  and  faithfully  has  he  labored  for  this  neglected  and 
difficult  race,  and  if  rising  churches  have  not  marked  his  course,  and  if  his 
name  is  even  unknown  to  the  friends  of  missions  in  America,  yet  his  judgment 
is  with  the  Lord  and  his  reward  with  his  God. 


7 


In  1833,  the  Rev.  Frederick  Haas,  another  German  missionary,  established 
himself  at  Tebreez,  the  provincial  and  commercial  metropolis  of  northwestern 
Persia,  where  he  diligently  labored  under  various  prospects  till  the  opening 
summer  of  1837.  During  much  of  this  period  of  four  years,  Mr.  Haas  had  three 
able  German  colleagues,  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Hoernle,  Schneider,  and  Wolters,  all 
of  whom  were  learned,  pious,  and  devoted  to  their  work.  Mr.  Haas  especially 
was  eminently  fitted  for  the  peculiar  work  of  a Persian  missionary,  and  gained 
extensive  influence  with  people  of  rank  and  power,  while  they  all  shared  the 
respect,  to  which  they  were  so  well  entitled,  of  all  classes,  native  and  European, 
A leading  branch  of  their  work  was  giving  instruction  in  European  languages 
and  sciences,  and  though  they  were  not  without  encouragements  to  persevere, 
yet  the  fickleness  of  most  of  their  pupils,  with  the  views  and  instructions  of  the 
Basil  Society  with  which  they  were  connected,embarrassed  their  plans  and]  cloud- 
ed their  prospects.  Yet  their  influence  did  much  to  soften  prejudice  in  many 
Persian  minds,  and  had  they  been  sustained  in  that  country,  candor  and  Gospel 
truth  must  have  been  great  gainers.  Their  literary  lessons  probably  fell  far 
short  of  the  effect  produced  by  their  general  religious  influence,  that  silent 
though  powerful  agency  which  is  peculiarly  important  where  intolerant  bigotry 
holds  the  sceptre  of  power. 

In  the  course  of  the  summer  of  1837,  all  the  German  missionaries  left  Per- 
sia, and  so  far  as  my  information  extends,  Mr.  Haas  is  now  a pastor  in  his  na- 
tive Wurtemberg,  Mr.  Wolters  a missionary  to  the  Greeks  of  Smyrna,  Mr.  Hoern- 
le labors  in  India,  where  his  companion,  Mr.  Schneider,  sleeps  in  happy  expect- 
ation of  a gracious  reward.  They  have  all  done  good  in  Persia,  and  if  they  too 
cannot  point  to  converts  won,  and  churches  gathered  in  that  land,  and  if  the 
sabbath  school  scholar  of  the  New  World  has  never  heard  their  names,  they 
can  yet|  say,  our  judgment  is  with  the  Lord,  and  our  work  and  reward  with 
our  God.  They  were  my  companions  for  a season  at  Tebreez,  and  the  two 
last  mentioned  were  my  fellow-travelers,  in  the  summer  of  1836  to  Isfahan, 
where  we  narrowly  escaped  fanatical  fury. 

The  Rev.  Justin  Perkins  who  arrived  at  Tebreez  in  Aug.  1834,  and  finally 
settled  in  Oroomiah  among  the  Nestorians  in  Nov.  1835,  in  his  “ Residence 
in  Persia,”  page  314,  mentions  his  meeting  three  of  these  German  brethren  on 
their  way  homeward,  and  in  reference  to  them  all  remarks,  “ They  had  been  in 
Persia,  and  previously  in  Georgia,  a considerable  period,  had  acquired  a familiar 
acquaintance  with  the  native  languages,  and  had  succesfully  commenced  oper- 
ations. They  retired  not  from  choice,  but  necessity.  The  Basle  Missionary 
Society  under  whose  patronage  they  labored,  decided  not  to  continue  operations 
in  Persia,  unless  the  gospel  could  be  openly  proclaimed  to  the  Mohammedans. 
This  is  impracticable.  Life  would  be  the  price  of  the  attempt.  The  mission- 
aries had,  therefore,  no  alternative  than  to  leave  the  country,  however  much  they 
regretted  the  necessity,  or  dissented  in  opinion  from  the  policy  of  their  excel- 
lent patrons. 


8 


“ The  withdrawal  of  these  German  missionaries  is  a serious  calamity  to  Per- 
sia,— especially,  because  they  are  eminently  adapted  to  labor  in  that  country. 
We  need  working  men  in  Persia — men  who,  while  they  are  full  of  faith  and  the 
Holy  Ghost,  and  love  to  preach  Christ  and  him  crucified  above  all  other  employ- 
ments, are  at  the  same  time  not  reluctant  to  use  grammars  and  dictionaries,  and 
to  qualify  themselves,  if  occasion  shall  require,  to  make  grammars  and  diction- 
aries and  other  school  books.  We  need  men  who  are  willing  to  live  and  labor 
for  Christ,  as  well  as  to  die  for  him.  It  is  an  easy  thing  for  one  to  proclaim 
himself  ready  to  die  for  Christ,  and  wander  over  the  Persian  empire,  report  his 
movements  “ in  perils  oft,”  excite  notoriety  at  home,  and  say  enough,  and 
do  enough  to  raise  a storm  in  every  city,  and  perhaps  interrupt  the  labors,  and 
endanger  the  lives  of  more  prudent,  humble,  indefatigable  and  useful  missiona- 
ries. But  this  is  not  to  evangelize  Persia  ; nor  is  it  the  first  step  toward  such 
a result.  It  is  to  excite  suspicion,  rouse  the  jealous  moollfts  to  redoubled  vig- 
ilance in  their  eagle  watch,  and  retard  the  object.  Persia,  at  present,  needs 
more  light  than  heat.  And  the  men  sent  to  that  country  should  be  qualified 
and  willing  to  labor  hard  and  patiently  to  diffuse  light,  as  well  as  to  proclaim 
Mohammed  a false  Prophet,  and  Christ  the  Son  of  God.  Such  men  were  these 
sterling  German  missionaries,  whose  departure  is  deeply  regretted  by  the  Per- 
sians, as  well  as  by  ourselves.”  Would  that  the  executive  of  the  American 
Board  had  not  followed  the  specious  reasoning  of  the  directors  of  the  Basle  So- 
ciety about  publicly  and  formally  preaching  the  gospel  to  Mohammedans,  and 
that  rational  labors  were  not  superseded  by  impracticable  theories. 

In  July,  1838,  the  Rev.  William  Glen,  D.  D.  a Scottish  missionary,  who  had 
spent  many  years  at  Astrakhan  in  Russia,  and  subsequently  visited  his  own  coun- 
try, arrived  at  Tebreez,  where,  after  several  sojourns  in  that  city,  I repaired  on 
the  25th  of  the  same  month,  and  two  days  after  Mr.  Glen’s  arrival.  My  expect- 
ation was  that  Tebreez  would  then  become  my  permanent  residence.  This 
learned  and  truly  excellent  father  in  the  ministry,  had  previously  labored  much 
on  a transbation  of  the  Old  Testament  into  the  Persian  language,  and  in  the  pe- 
riod of  about  four  years  he  completed  a superior  version,  during  most  of  which 
time,  I had  the  benefit  of  his  society,  counsel  and  prayers  at  Tebreez,  till  he 
repaired  to  Tehran,  the  Persian  capital,  for  the  final  revision  of  his  work. 

In  1842,  Dr.  Glen  returned  home,  and  having  printed  a handsome  edition  of 
his  version  at  Edinburgh,  he  has  now,  (1847,)  though  approaching  three-score 
and  ten,  gone  back  to  Persia  to  circulate  the  Scriptures  he  has  translated  into 
the  vernacular  language  of  millions.  He  won  deserved  respect  and  esteem  in 
Persia,  and  his  influence  told  well  on  the  minds  of  many  with  whom  he  came 
in  contact.  When  laboring  with  great  diligaice  on  his  translation,  he  seemed 
to  feel,  as  he  sometimes  remarked,  that  it  was  his  last  work,  but  Providence  ap- 
pears to  be  sparing  him  to  sow  the  seed  he  has  prepared  for  the  purpose,  and 
may  he  yet  see  it  taking  root,  springing  up  and  bringing  forth  the  fruits  of 
righteousness.  May  the  divine  blessing  rest  on  him  and  his  labors  of  love,  and 


9 


on  his  patrons  at  home  who  are  so  ready  to  aid  and  encourage  him  in  a diffi- 
cult and  trying  field. 

In  1829,  Mr.  A.  N.  Groves,  with  several  associates,  one  of  whom  was  the  pres- 
ent Sir  Henry  Parnell,  Baronet,  sailed  from  England  on  a foreign  mission,  and 
proceeding  to  St.  Petersburg,  passed  thence  through  Russia  and  Persia  to  Bag- 
dad. They  did  not  establish  a mission  in  Persia,  as  Mr.  Greene  seems  to  have 
supposed,  according  to  his  letter  of  ‘ April  17,  1832,’  which  will  be  quoted  [in 
the  proper  place. 

At  Bagdad  they  met  with  many  favorable  circumstances,  but  finally  with 
more  trials  and  discouragements,  including  plague,  inundation  and  war  with 
which  that  city  was  visited,  till  at  length  after  a few  years  labor,  their  mission 
was  relinquished,  Mr.  Groves  going  to  India,  and  Mr.  Parnell  to  England,  where, 
on  the  decease  of  his  father,  he  inherited  the  title  and  estates  of  the  family. 

The  well  known  missionary.  Rev.  Joseph  Wolff,  D.  D.  has  made  several  tours 
in  Persia ; and  the  Rev.  Jacob  Samuel,  likewise  a converted  Israelite,  has  pas- 
sed through  that  country,  and  both  of  them  have  published  accounts  of  their 
missionary  travels,  as  has  Mr.  Groves  also,  to  which  books,  reference  may  be 
made  by  those  who  desire  more  particular  information  in  regard  to  the  la- 
bors of  their  respective  authors. 

In  review  of  all  the  missionary  labor  in  Persia,  at  which  I have  briefly  glanced, 
we  find  that  it  is  marked  by  three  prominent  characteristics  ; namely,  transla- 
tion, literary  avd  scientific  instruction,  and  general  religious  influence,  includ- 
ing private  and  more  public  discussions  on  sacred  subjects.  No  public  and 
formal  preaching  of  the  Gospel  to  the  Persians,  has  ever  been  attempted  by  any 
of  the  zealous  yet  judicious  missionaries  who  have  been  enumerated,  and  in  all 
human  probability  such  a measure  would  only  have  the  effect  of  uselessly  sacri- 
ficing the  man  who  should  undertake  it,  as  well  as  of  raising  a storm  of  perse- 
cution against  the  poor  native  Christians  of  that  land,  and  barring  the  door  of 
missionary  influence  against  future  heralds  of  the  cross. 

Notwithstanding  much  relaxation  of  bigotry  and  prejudice  since  the  time  of 
Martyn,  yet  the  most  liberal  town  in  Persia  would  not  tolerate  such  a public  at- 
tack on  its  faith  as  the  formal  preaching  of  the  Gospel  necessarily  implies. 
This  surely  should  not  cause  more  surprise  in  Mohammedan  than  in  some 
Catholic  countries,  and  while  we  can  reach  the  understanding  and  appeal  to 
the  heart  of  the  Persians  in  other  forms,  and  by  other  methods,  which,  com- 
prising the  substance  of  evangelical  preaching,  may  prepare  the  way  for  a more 
direct  and  forcible  application  of  truth,  why  should  the  work  cease  because  per- 
fect freedom  is  not  enjoyed.  In  America,  all  men  are  not  to  be  approached 
and  won  by  the  same  religious  means ; much  more  amid  those  w'ho  seem  al- 
most instinctively  to  despise  the  native  Christians  around  them,  is  the  judicious 
missionary  often  reminded  of  the  practice  of  his  Master  to  communicate  the 
word,  as  the  people  are  able  to  bear  it. 

Translation  may  do  much  to  prepare  the  way  of  the  Lord  among  the  intelli- 
2 


iO 


gent  and  inquisitive  Persians,  and  although  the  Bible  and  a number  of  religious 
treatises  have  been  published  in  that  language,  this  department  of  missionary 
labor  is  far  from  being  completed.  Much,  pertaining  to  our  holy  religion  and 
its  history,  still  remains  to  be  explained  and  published  in  the  Persian  tongue, 
while  some  literary  and  scientific  works  are  needed  to  aid  their  inquiries  and 
enlighten  their  minds. 

The  genial  influence  of  social  and  religious  intercourse  with  the  Persians, 
which  they  are  ever  eager  to  share,  like  the  early  vernal  sun,  though  it  ripens  no 
fruit,  is  eminently  useful  in  relaxing  the  icebands  of  bigotry  and  prejudice,  and 
thus  preparing  many  minds  for  a degree  of  candid  consideration  of  the  truths  in- 
formally though  often  earnestly  brought  to  their  notice.  No  people  are  more  fond 
of  religious  discussions,  and  engage  with  more  apparent  zest  in  controversy, 
than  the  Persians,  and  though  they  of  course  assume  that  their  own  creed  is 
right  and  others  wrong,  yet  they  allow  as  well  as  take  no  small  latitude  in  argu- 
ment, and  will  cordially  assent  to  a sound  principle  of  general  truth  and  justice. 
In  short,  they  are  not  only  very  approachable,  but  they  venerate  a consistent  re- 
ligious character  of  whatever  creed  ; and  though  missionary  work  among  them, 
must  from  the  circumstances  of  the  case,  be  in  a special  sense  preparatory,  yet 
it  must  be  done  before  the  Gospel  will  have  a probable  prospect  of  free  course 
among  them.  Said  the  veteran  missionary  who  has  translated  the  Old  Testa- 
ment, “ if  we  wait  twenty  years  we  must  then  engage  in  this  work,  nearly  at  the 
point  where  we  may  now  commence  it,”  and  with  noble  perseverance  he  acts 
on  the  truth  of  his  sentiment,  and  happily  finds  a society  of  sufficient  enter- 
prise and  fortitude  to  sustain  him.  Who  will  go  and  do  likewise? 

The  indications  of  Providence,  and  the  varied  circumstances  of  the  unevan- 
gelized, should  no  doubt  be  carefully  considered  in  directing  the  limited  means 
of  benevolence  for  the  foreign  field,  never  forgetting  that  much  land  remains  to 
be  possessed  at  home.  But  it  is  likely  to  lead  to  serious  mistakes,  where  a so- 
ciety make  it  a point  to  pursue  chiefly  or  entirely  the  fairest  present  prospect, 
without  an  enlarged  view  of  the  general  wants  of  the  world.  In  selecting  a mis- 
sionary field,  the  condition,  prospects,  and  probable  influence  of  a people  should 
be  carefully  considered.  The  wife  of  a devoted  African  missionary,  both  of 
whom  have  now  gone  to  their  reward,  told  me  that  her  husband  remarked, 
when  in  South  Africa,  that,  it  was  of  no  use  to  divide  their  labors  and  attempt 
the  evangelization  of  a small  waning  tribe  in  their  region,  (the  Fingoes  if  I 
mistake  not,)  for  they  would  soon  vanish  away  and  leave  no  active  influence 
behind  them.  This  statement  strongly  illustrates  a principle  which  has  long 
held  an  important  place  in  my  view  of  missions.  We  should  do  what  we  can 
for  an  expiring  tribe,  when  more  urgent  claims  permit,  but  special  attention, 
and  our  main  efforts  should  doubtless  be  addressed  to  permanent  races,  whose 
position,  natural  abilities,  political  and  religious  influence  is  likely  to  affect 
strongly  other  classes  of  men.  The  soul  of  a Greenlander  may  be  as  precious 
as  that  of  any  son  of  New  England,  yet  what  influence,  humanly  speaking,  can 


11 


ever  spring  from  that  frost  bound  race,  to  compare  with  the  sweep  and  sway 
of  Puritan  mind,  as  it  moves  on  like  a new,  pervading  moral  atmosphere  from 
Forefathers’  Rock. 

I suppose  that  no  one  acquainted  with  history  and  the  present  conditions  and 
prospects  of  oriental  nations,  will  question  that  of  all  Mohammedan  tribes,  the 
most  approachable,  intelligent,  and  influential,  in  central  Asia,  are  the  Persians, 
whose  permanency  as  a people  is  unparalleled  by  any  of  their  neighbors,  except- 
ing perhaps  the  Arabs.  Prosperity,  revolution,  tyranny,  and  anarchy  in  every 
form,  during  the  long  sweep  of  near  three  thousand  years,  has  left  them  a nu- 
merous and  independent  though  mingled  people,  possessing  a wide  spread  terri- 
tory. The  present  kingdom  of  Eeran,  as  the  Persians  call  their  country,  ex- 
tends from  26°  to  40°  north  latitude,  and  nearly  from  44°  to  60°  east  longi- 
tude. Its  outline  presents  an  irregular,  rhomboidal  figure  which  in  general 
terms,  may  be  called  1000  miles  long  and  from  700  to  800  miles  broad,  although 
its  greatest  extent  from  mount  Ararat,  its  north  west  corner  between  Russia 
and  Turkey,  to  cape  Jask,  near  its  south  east  angle,  on  the  Indian  ocean,  is 
about  1200  miles ; while  the  north  western  and  south  eastern  sections  are  much 
narrower  than  the  average  breadth  of  the  country.  This  extensive  region, 
which,  with  many  fertile,  well-cultivated  vales,  embraces  a great  proportion  of 
wild,  unwooded  mountains  and  waste  or  desert  plains,  contains  a population  of 
nine  or  ten  millions  of  inhabitants,  all  of  whom  with  the  exception  of  perhaps  a 
hundred  thousand  Nestorians,  Armenians,  Jews,  and  Gabzs  or  Fire-worshipers, 
profess  Mohammedism.  The  nation  is  divided  into  tribes  and  clans,  among 
whom  various  dialects  are  found,  the  copious  and  polished  Persian  being  the 
universal  language  of  literature  and  business  documents,  spoken  more  or  less 
throughout  the  kingdom,  and  constituting  the  general  speech  of  the  central  and 
southern  sections,  while  in  the  north  western  quarter  of  the  country  especially, 
unwritten  Turkish  is  the  common  medium  of  intercommunication.  From  the 
earliest  times,  Persia  has  wielded  an  important  influence,  though  in  varying  de- 
grees, on  all  the  surrounding  countries,  which  it  will  probably  ever  maintain. 
Right  principles  implanted  and  perpetuated  in  that  race,  are  likely  to  be  diffu- 
sive and  widely  influential.  Shall  they  alone  of  all  the  nations  be  neglected 
by  the  friends  of  missions?  That  there  are  many  and  formidable  obstacles  in 
the  way  of  their  enlightenment,  is  not  only  admitted,  but  plainly  declared  ; yet 
similar  obstructions  to  the  truth  are  found  elsewhere,  even  among  some  Christian 
sects,  who  however,  like  the  growing  race  of  Greeks,  both  now  and  prospective- 
ly claim  no  small  attention  from  a candid  and  benevolent  reviewer  of  the  nations. 

The  Persians  are  Mohammedans  of  the  sect  of  Aly,  the  cousin,  son-in-law, 
and  champion  of  Mohammed,  and  call  themselves  Skeeahs,  or  Followers,  that 
is,  of  Islam  and  its  authors.  They  stand  relatively  to  the  Soonnee  sect,  em- 
bracing Arab,  Turk,  Tatar,  and  Affgahn,  as  Protestants  have  sometimes  stood 
to  Catholics ; and  all  the  rancor  of  superstitious  prejudice  and  hostility,  is  fully 
""cnrocated  bv  these  two  great  divisions  of  Mo.slims.  While  much  is  borrowed 


12 


from  Jewish  sources,  the  general  Mohammedan  creed,  and  notions  of  tradition- 
ary and  religious  views  current  among  the  followers  of  Mohammed,  bear  more 
or  less  analogy  to  the  ideas  of  various  Christian  sects,  and  in  the  Persian  scheme 
there  are  a number  of  strong  resemblances  to  the  Catholic  system,  especially  in 
the  acknowledged  vicegerency  of  a supposed  human  head  of  the  faith,  but  with 
this  wide  difference  that  image-worship  is  vehemently  reprobated  by  all  Moham- 
medans, whose  great  cardinal  doctrine  is,  the  Unitv  of  the  glorious,  eternal 
God,  the  sole  object  of  religious  adoration.  Still,  like  the  Christian  sects  with 
whom  the  Moslims  have  come  in  contact,  they  invoke  their  own  prophet  and 
saints,  believe  in  a species  of  purgatory,  and  pray  for  the  dead.  They  call 
themselves  J\lusulmans,  or  true  believers,  the  Persians  especially,  arrogating  to 
themselves  this  title,  which  they  refuse  to  extend  to  their  Soonnee  neighbors. 
Both  these  sects  have  many  and  ponderous  treatises  on  various  points  of  the- 
ology and  practical  religion,  and  also  poems,  histories,  and  some  scientific  works 
founded  on  ancient  systems.  The  Persians  especially,  have  distinguished  them- 
selves in  the  East  for  poetry  and  metaphysical  theology. 

Various  dissenting  sects  and  forms  of  belief  are  found  among  the  Persians, 
one  of  the  most  prominent  of  which  is  that  of  the  Sooffees,  literally  Purists, 
but  properly  Free-thinkers,  a class  of  utilitarian  sentimentalists,  of  diverse 
grades,  obnoxious  to  the  mass  of  priests  and  people.  Rationalism,  mysticism, 
and  high  school  transcendentalism,  blend  variously  in  the  Sooffee  system,  which 
is  gradually  undermining  popular  prejudices,  without  establishing  any  substan- 
tial forms  of  its  own.  The  Sooffees  generally  are  free  inquirers,  and  while  they 
need  toleration  themselves,  are  more  ready  than  most  others  of  their  country- 
men to  extend  its  privileges  to  foreign  sects.  Like  Tyrannus  and  his  pupils, 
they  love  to  ‘ dispute  daily  ’ with  any  Paul  who  may  chance  to  encounter  them. 

With  the  Persians,  and  Mohammedans  generally,  the  great  stumbling-block  of 
Christianity  is  the  Divinity  of  its  Founder,  whom  however  they  all  profess  to  rev- 
erence as  a prophet  of  the  highest  rank,  whose  dispensation  superseding  that  of 
Moses,  was  in  turn  abrogated  by  the  mission  of  Mohammed.  The  Old  Testament 
they  hold  to  be  corrupted  and  obsolete,  and  they  insist  that  the  Lord  Jesus  car- 
ried his  Injeel,  or  Gospel,  back  to  heaven  whence  it  descended  to  Him,  and 
that  our  present  New  Testament  is  consequently  spurious.  It  is  therefore  no 
small  part  of  missionary  labor  among  them,  to  exhibit  clearly  and  convincingly 
the  great  evidences  of  revelation  on  which  the  genuineness  and  inspiration  of 
the  Bible  are  maintained.  And  this  with  ordinary  prudence  can  freely  be  done 
by  written  treatises  and  every  day  discussions  in  which  multitudes  are  ready  to 
engage. 

Many  other  points  might  be  mentioned  and  arguments  adduced,  to  show 
how,  and  wherefore,  missionary  labor  should  be  directed  in  a reasonable  degree 
to  the  enlightenment  of  the  Persians,  but  the  plan  and  design  of  this  narrative 
allows  only  a brief  and  rapid  sketch  of  the  subjects  it  presents  to  the  candid  and 
benevolent  reader. 


13 


I turn  therefore,  with  regret  from  scenes  on  which  my  mind  loves  to  linger,  to 
considerations  and  events  which  duty  to  myself,  duty  to  present  and  future  mis- 
sionaries, and  above  all,  duty  to  the  cause  of  divine  truth  and  justice,  requires  me 
to  lay  before  the  friends  of  mankind,  and  the  followers  of  our  blessed  Redeemer. 
It  is  not  my  object  to  impeach  the  motives  and  decry  the  avowed  principles  of  any 
one,  but  in  that  charity  which,  while  it  assumes  that  all  men  are  liable  to  err, 
stands  ever  ready  to  cast  her  mantle  over  a corrected  mistake,  and  in  that  hu- 
mility which  acknowledges  its  own  failings  and  shortcomings  with  heartfelt  sor- 
row, would  I appeal  to  unchangeable  equity,  for  a decision  on  the  subject  1 am  to 
present.  And  however  unpleasant  it  must  be  to  a mind  loving  the  shade  of  re- 
tirement, to  come  forward  in  its  own  selfdefence,  and  fully  state  facts  bearing 
hard  on  the  policy  and  measures  of  some  high  in  public  favor,  yet  to  those  most 
likely  to  censure  this  course,  I can  truly  say,  like  the  aspersed  apostle,  “ ye. 
have  compelled  me^ 

In  early  youth  my  mind  turned  with  interest  to  the  country  of  Cyrus  the 
Great,  and  as  my  course  in  life  was  gradually  developed,  while  passing  through 
academical  and  professional  studies,  this  interest  augmented,  till  strong  desire 
united  with  a conscientious  sense  of  duty  to  urge  me  on  to  the  missionary  work 
in  Persia.  Every  accessible  source  of  information,  relative  to  the  cherished  ob- 
ject in  view,  was  diligently  examined,  and  the  result  of  my  investigations  was 
the  conviction  not  only  that  a mission  might  be  established  in  Persia  with  a good 
prospect  of  usefulness,  but  the  scanty  accounts  within  my  reach  led  to  the  be- 
lief that  more  direct  and  unobstructed  channels  of  religious  influence  were  open 
in  that  country,  than  the  real  facts  of  the  case  warranted.  This  mistake  how- 
ever, was  only  one  of  the  multitude  that  occur  in  missionary  experience.  The 
morning  glow  of  hope  and  ardent  expectation,  that  gilds  the  general  mass  of  in- 
telligence so  interesting  to  the  young  missionary,  leads  as  a matter  of  course,  to 
some  conclusions  which  the  stern  array  of  uncompromising  facts  on  the  field  it- 
self, are  little  suited  to  spare.  Probably  no  missionary  of  three  year’s  actual  ex- 
perience, ever  escaped  some  trying  depressions  of  his  hopes,  and  who  did  not 
find  that  he  needed  more  grace  and  strength  from  on  high  than  he  had  really 
provided  for  in  his  benevolent  plans  to  convert  men. 

My  first  letter  to  an  officer  of  the  Board  was  of  a general  missionary  nature, 
dated  January  31st,  1831,  and  was  addressed  to  Dr.  Anderson.  I wrote  him 
again  in  April,  1832,  with  reference  to  missionary  labor  among  the  Persians. 
As  was  natural  on  untried  ground,  the  executive  seemed  disposed  to  examine  and 
inquire  more  particularly  into  the  subject,  before  deciding  to  establish  a mission 
in  the  proposed  field.  In  reply  to  my  letter  to  Dr.  Anderson,  the  Rev.  David 
Greene  wrote  me  ‘ April  17,  1832,’  and  after  stating  that  the  Prudential  Com- 
mittee wished  to  extend  “ their  missionary  operations  in  the  countries  of  West- 
ern Asia,”  and  had  “ sent  two  missionaries  to  e.xplore  Armenia,”  he  remarks, 
“ we  could  not  now  say  decisively  that  we  will  send  a missionary  to  Persia,  be- 
cause the  finger  of  God  may  very  plainly  point  to  another  quarter ; and  while  the 


14 


number  of  missionaries  and  the  pecuniary  means  are  limited,  we  are  undoubtedly 
bound  to  send  first  to  those  fields  where  there  are  the  most  promising  openings. 
If  we  had  men  enough  and  funds  adequate,  we  ought  without  doubt  to  send  to 
Persia  and  all  other  Mohammedan  countries,  to  China,  and  all  other  nations, 
however  hazardous  and  impracticable  all  approach  might  seem  to  be  ; and  there 
can  be  no  doubt  that  men  possessed  of  Paul’s  courage,  and  zeal,  and  love  for 
souls,  would  find  access,  and  by  the  aid  of  the  Holy  Ghost  would  make  an  im- 
pression. 

“ Mr.  Groves,  with  two  or  three  associates,  as  you  may  probably  know,  is 
now  in  Persia  as  a missionary,  though]  not  connected  with  any  missionary  So- 
ciety. Little  is  known  of  his  proceedings  or  prospects. 

“ I think.  Dear  Sir,  that,  if  your  heart  is  set  on  a mission  to  the  Mohamme- 
dans, and  the  Lord  has  given  you  qualifications  for  such  a work,  you  need  have 
no  fear  but  that  you  may  be  sent  to  some  country  where  you  can  have  ready 
and  constant  access  to  them,  and  make  them  the  principal  object  of  your  labors, 
if  you  shall  then  think  that  Providence  directs  you  to  such  a course.  You  cannot 
feel  too  deeply  for  this  deluded  and  miserable  class  of  men,  or  pray  too  impor- 
tunately that  the  Lord  would  open  a way  of  access  to  them,  and  give  them  a heart 
to  attend  to  the  things  that  belong  to  their  peace. 

“ I regret  that  Mr.  Anderson,  to  whom  the  correspondence  with  and  in  re- 
spect to  the  missions  over  sea  is  committed,  is  now  absent  for  a month  or  two^ 
from  Boston,  and  that  the  pressure  of  my  other  duties  will  permit  me  to  give  no 
more  thought  to  the  subject.  Write  us  freely  at  any  time,  and  probably  some 
months  hence  we  may  be  able  to  write  you  more  definitely.  If  you  commit 
your  way  to  the  Lord  in  this  matter,  I do  not  doubt  that  he  will  open  a way  for 
you  to  some  field,  where  you  shall  be  satisfied,  and  where  you  may  glorify  him.” 

Although  this  letter  breathes  a spirit  of  caution,  yet  it  certainly  is  suited  to 
foster  the  expectation  that  a mission  to  the  Persians  would  be  favorably  regarded 
by  the  executive,  and  that  they  only  needed  the  way  to  be  made  clear  in  order 
to  engage  in  the  enterprise  with  interest. 

The  late  Rev.  Dr.  Wisner  wrote  me;  ‘ Jan.  5,  1833,’  with  reference  to  the 
proposed  mission,  and  in  general  terms  encouraged  my  hopes,  while  he  asked 
for  more  particular  information  in  regard  to  my  religious  and  missionary  views, 
and  “ how  my  mind  came  to  fix  on  the  Mohammedans.”  Dr.  Wisner  favored 
me  with  another  communication,  ‘ July  8,  1833,’  in  which  he  says,  “ I have 
not  heard  from  you  for  some  time ; I do  not  therefore  know  the  result  on  your 
own  mind  of  your  correspondence  with  Mr.  Smith,  nor  whether  your  views 
about  missionary  work  and  the  manner  in  which  you  shall  engage  in  it,  remain 
as  they  were  when  you  communicated  them  to  me  just  before  that  correspond- 
ence began.  I presume,  however,  they  are  the  same.  And  you  having  exam- 
ined the  subject,  as  I am  now  satisfied  you  have  done,  I am  content  they  should 
be  the  same.  I write  now  simply  to  say,  after  conferring  with  Mr.  Anderson, 
that  we  shall  recommend  to  our  Committee  to  appoint  you  a missionary  to  Per- 


15 


sia,  to  prosecute  your  mission  according  to  those  views,  if  you  offer  yourself  for 
that  purpose ; and  I have  no  doubt  the  Committee  would  accede  to  our  recom- 
mendation. I would  suggest,  therefore,  whether  you  had  not  better  soon  make 
the  offer  in  a formal  manner,  stating  as  fully  as  you  can  in  what  manner  you 
think  the  mission  ought  to  be  prosecuted.  The  Lord  guide  you,  and  all  that 
shall  be  concerned  in  this  important  matter,  aright.” 

Mr.  Smith,  mentioned  above,  is  the  Rev.  Eli  Smith,  Syrian  missionary,  who 
had  then  lately  returned  from  an  exploring  tour  in  Turkey  and  Persia,  and  who 
was  requested  by  Dr.  Wisner  to  write  me  on  the  subject  of  a Persian  mission. 
Mr.  Smith  wrote  me,  ‘ Feb.  1, 1833,’  communicating  succinctly  much  informa- 
tion respecting  Persia.  After  mentioning  some  prominent  obstacles  and  saying 
that  “ Azerb^yjan  should  be  selected  in  preference  to  any  other  part  of  Persia 
for  missionary  operations,”  he  remarks,  “ A mission  specially  for  the  Mohamme- 
dans even  there,  we  [Rev.  Messrs.  Smith  and  Dwight]  have  hesitated  to  recom- 
mend at  present.  I am,  however,  very  much  rejoiced  to  find  your  mind  directed 
so  strongly  towards  them,  and  hope  that  Providence  may  intend  to  open  for  you 
a field  of  labor  among  them.” 

Dr.  Wisner,  having  read  the  letter  containing  the  above  extract,  prefixed  a 
note  to  it,  dated  ‘ Feb.  5,  1833,’  and  saying,  “ we  are  much  gratified  with  your 
letter  of  the  23d  ult.  and  entirely  satisfied  with  the  testimonials  we  have  received 
in  regard  to  you,  and  I am  persuaded  that,  your  life  and  health  being  spared,  you 
will  yet  go  a missionary  to  the  Mohammedans  of  Persia,  and  be  sent  out  by  our 
Board,  though  it  may  be  expedient  at  Jirst  after  getting  there,  and  for  a lohile 
to  direct  your  more  immediate  attention  to  the  Nestorians  or  Armenians.” 

A mission  to  the  Nestorians  having  then  recently  been  resolved  on  by  the 
Committee,  it  was  natural  for  Dr.  Wisner  to  associate  with  it,  in  his  own  mind, 
other  proposed  labor  in  so  untried  a field.  But  the  candid  and  cordial  interest 
he  uniformly  manifested  in  the  Persian  mission,  and  the  personal  kindness  he 
exhibited  in  my  limited  correspondence  and  acquaintance  with  him,  justly  claim 
my  lasting  gratitude  and  respect ; and  his  form  is  still  distinctly  pictured  on  my 
mind,  as  he  stood  on  Union  Wharf  at  Boston,  on  the22d  of  August,  1834,  and 
waved  his  hand  in  token  of  affectionate  farewell,  as  the  vessel  of  our  missionary 
band  receded  from  the  shore  we  little  expected  to  behold  again.  Peace  and 
love  to  his  memory. 

Mr.  Smith  favored  me  with  another  letter  dated  ‘ April  18,  1833,’  the  gene- 
ral drift  of  which  exhibits  the  doubts  and  difficulties  relative  to  a Persian  mis- 
sion, assuming,  jiowever,  that  the  work  might  reasonably  be  attempted,  espe- 
cially if  a missionary  were  called  in  providence  by  an  enlightened  conviction  to 
engage  in  the  undertaking.  The  general  sentiment  of  the  letter,  if  I under- 
stand it,  is,  there  are  many  and  serious  difficulties  in  the  way,  but  it  might  still 
be  my  duty  to  engage  in  the  work.  To  this  letter,  on  the  2-3d  of  the  same  month. 
Dr.  Anderson  added  a note,  his  first  communication  to  me,  in  which  he  says, 
“ I this  morning  received  this  letter  from  IMr.  Smith,  with  a request  that  I would 


16 


read  and  forward  it.  You  will  perceive  what  his  opinion  on  the  whole  is,  with 
regard  to  attempting  a Persian  mission  (to  the  Mohammedans)  at  present.  His 
judgment  in  this  case  is  more  valuable  than  that  of  any  other  man  in  this  coun- 
try. While  I accord  in  the  views  he  has  expressed  on  his  first  page,  I confess 
myself  to  have  very  strong  doubts  whether  it  is  best  to  attempt  a mission  to  the 
Mohammedans  of  Persia  for  some  years  to  come  ; at  least,  till  our  Nestorian 
mission  is  well  established.  But  the  designs  of  God’s  merciful  providence  are 
coming  more  and  more  to  light,  and  I may  have  all  my  doubts  removed  before 
six  months  have  transpired. 

“ You  will  be  interested  in  knowing  that  our  brethren  in  Constantinople  have 
agreed  to  ask  the  Board  to  send  out  a missionary  expressly  to  the  Mohammedans 
of  Turkey.  This  is  in  consequence  of  the  late  events  in  that  empire.  Perhaps 
it  is  to  the  Mohammedans  of  Turkey,  rather  than  of  Persia,  that  God  designs 
to  send  you.  By  prayerful  inquiry  you  and  we  shall  know  in  due  time.” 

If  this  note  contains  but  little  direct  encouragement,  it  still  shows,  if  I mis- 
take not,  a ready  disposition  to  do  something  for  the  Mohammedans,  whenever 
and  wherever  opportunity  should  be  afforded.  Dr.  Anderson  seems  to  have 
been,  even  then,  prepared  to  have  given  a favorable  opinion  in  regard  to  sending 
a missionary  to  the  Turks,  who,  although  they  ought  not  to  be  overlooked,  have 
never  yet  presented  so  many  inducements  to  attempt  their  evangelization  as  the 
Persians.  I have  been  informed  on  good  authority,  that  since  my  return  to 
America,  Dr.  Anderson  has  taken  pains  to  convey  the  impression  that  the  ex- 
ecutive, from  the  beginning,  were  exceedingly  unwilling  to  undertake  the  Per- 
sian mission,  and  a friend,  who  attended  a late  formal  conference  in  which  the 
secretary  undertook  to  clear  the  executive  at  my  expense,  writes  me  that,  “ He 
said,  they  employed  you  as  a missionary  to  Persia,  at  your  earnest  and  repeated 
solicitations,  against  their  own  judgment,  but  with  the  express  understanding 
that  it  was  to  be  an  exploring  mission  only,  and  not  a permanent  one,  extraordi- 
naries excepted.”  I presume  that  Dr.  Anderson  was  not  in  1833  the  sole  author- 
ity in  the  executive,  and  if  he  only  remembers  some  of  his  impressions  about 
the  time  of  writing  the  foregoing  note,  he  is  liable  to  mistake  in  his  conclusions 
of  the  whole  matter,  as  will  hereafter  appear. 

As  might  be  anticipated  from  Dr.  Wisner’s  letter  of  ‘ July  8,  1833,’  quoted 
on  a preceding  page,  the  result  was  that  the  Committee  resolved  to  undertake 
the  proposed  mission,  and  when  in  February,  1834,  after  seven  months  farther 
reflection  by  both  parties,  I sent  them  a formal  proposal  to  labor  under  their 
direction  and  patronage  among  the  Persians,  on  the  25th  of  the  same  month 
they  declared  my  acceptance,  and  issued  my  appointment,  as  follows  : “ Resolved, 
That,  James*  L.  Merrick,  recently  of  the  Theological  Seminary  at  Columbia, 
S.  C.,  be  appointed  a missionary  of  the  Board,  and  designated  to  the  Moham- 
medans of  Persia,  and  of  the  countries  east  and  north  of  that  kingdom.”  In 

* By  mistake,  1 was  called  “ Samuel  ” instead  of  .Tames  in  the  resolution,  which  error  was, 
of  course,  duly  corrected. 


n 


communicating  this  resolution  of  the  Committee,  Dr.  Wisner  ailds,  “ The  last 
clause  was  embraced  in  the  resolution  to  cover  your  making  an  exploration  of 
the  countries  referred  to,  if  that  shall  be  found  best.”  To  Afghanistan  and 
Titary,  “ it  was  to  be  an  exploring  mission  only,”  but  to  Persia,  the  Lord  willing, 
it  was  to  be  “ a permanent  one,”  if  this  resolution  of  the  executive  is  to  be  in- 
terpreted according  to  its  obvious  meaning.  A young,  confiding  missionary 
would  not  be  likely  to  find  in  such  a resolution,  nor  in  the  uniform  tone  of  Dr. 
Wisner’s  letters  to  me,  such  a reluctance,  and  yielding  barely  to  explore,  and 
that  “ against  their  own  judgment,”  as  Dr.  Anderson  is  understood  now  to  as- 
sert. Dr.  Wisner  farther  remarks,  “ As  you  are  now  an  accepted  missionary  of 
the  Board,  your  correspondence  hereafter  will  be  with  Mr.  Anderson.”  lie  also 
says  in  the  same  letter,  “It  is  very  desirable  that  you  should  have  an  associate, 
who  shall  also  go  unmarried.  We  cannot,  at  present,  tell  you  of  one.  But  we 
hope  you  or  we  will  be  able  to  find  one  before  you  go.” 

On  the  24th  of  the  following  March,  Dr.  Anderson  wrote  me,  saying,  “ I re- 
joice to  see  your  purpose  so  fixed  in  reference  to  Persia  ; may  it  never  be  shaken. 
We  do  not  yet  know  any  man  who  could  be  expected  to  accompany  you.”  It 
thus  appears  that  he  had  cordially  adopted  the  views  expressed  by  Dr.  Wisner 
in  reference  to  a Persian  mission,  and  was  ready  to  cooperate  heartily  in  the 
work.  Let  this  be  distinctly  borne  in  mind,  in  connection  with  the  general 
fact,  that,  however  I may  have  originally  proposed  this  mission  to  the  officers  of 
the  Board,  they,  after  proper  inquiry  and  reflection,  adopted  the  undertaking, 
and  with  others.  Dr.  Anderson  rejoiced  that  my  purpose  was  so  fixed  on  that  ob- 
ject. A due  consideration  of  all  these  circumstances  would  not  surely  lead  an 
unbiassed  mind  to  the  conclusion  that  my  importunity  had  reluctantly  brought 
the  Committee  against  their  own  judgment  to  permit  a mere  exploration  and 
bare  experiment  in  Persia,  especially  as  they  earnestly  wished  to  find  and  send 
an  associate  with  me,  which  of  course  would  have  given  more  importance  and 
probable  permanence  to  the  mission.  Let  equity  decide  then,  whether  I am 
solely  or  chiefly  responsible  for  the  origin  and  end  of  the  Persian  mission,  and 
whether  I merit  all  the  direct  and  implied  censure  which  has  been  pronounced 
against  me. 

My  instructions  were  dated  ‘ Aug.  8th,  1834,’  and  were  formally  delivered  to 
me  on  the  10th  of  that  month  in  the  Chapel  of  Amherst  College,  where  I had 
graduated.  The  explorations  marked  out  for  me  in  these  instructions,  agreea- 
bly to  the  resolution  of  the  Committee  in  my  appointment,  in  connection  with 
Persia,  embraced  a tour  through  AfghfinistMi,  provided,  providential  events  in- 
dicated such  a course ; but  Persia  was  to  be  the  peculiar  sphere  of  my  inquiries 
as  well  as  the  contemplated  field  of  my  labors. 

In  closing  the  instructions.  Dr.  Anderson  kindly  and  emphatically  exhorted 
me  to  “ be  not  discouraged.”  For,  said  he,  “ The  waters  which  you  see  by 
faith  flowing  over  the  arid  regions  of  Persia,  are  not  the  deceitful  mirage  of  the 
desert,  to  mock  your  hopes;  they  are  the  waters  of  life.  The  most  utiexcep- 
3 


18 


tionable  witnesses  declare  the  religion  of  Mohammed  to  be  everywhere  on  the 
decline.  War  and  despotism  enters  essentially  into  its  spirit.  But  the  zeal 
which  burned  so  fiercely  in  the  bosoms  of  its  early  champions,  having  consumed 
every  thing  within  its  reach,  now  burns  low,  and  the  power  of  its  princes  is  de- 
clining. It  can  no  more  subject  countries,  nor  mind  to  its  sway.  The  general 
causes  which  are  meliorating  the  governments  and  the  condition  of  mankind,  are 
entering  into  Persia.  Light  is  breaking  in  upon  its  dark  domains  ; not  light 
enough  to  perceive  the  truth,  but  enough  to  make  visible  the  awful  darkness. 
In  the  prevalence  of  Soofeeism,  we  see  the  Persian  mind  breaking  loose  from 
its  moorings,  and  tossing  wild  upon  the  billows  of  infidel  speculation,  with  nei- 
ther star  nor  compass  to  guide  it.  Without  a divine  Guide  and  Helper,  who 
indeed,  would  venture  in  pursuit  of  minds  tossed  upon  such  a sea?  But  you  go 
not  alone.  Your  help  and  your  hope  are  in  God.  He,  we  believe,  commands 
you  to  go  and  preach  the  Gospel  to  the  Persians  ; and  he  promises  to  be  with 
you.  ” Lo,  I am  with  you  always.”  “ When  thou  passest  through  the  waters, 
I will  be  with  thee ; and  through  the  rivers  they  shall  not  overflow  thee ; when 
thou  walkest  through  the  fire,  thou  shalt  not  be  burned,  neither  shall  the  flames 
kindle  upon  thee.”  You  may  die  in  early  life.  You  may  die  a martyr’s  death. 
Still  the  promise,  in  all  its  spiritual  import,  will  be  remembered ; and,  if  you 
are  faithful  Unto  death,  neither  you,  nor  the  churches  which  send  you,  will  ever 
have  occasion  to  regret  your  mission  to  Persia.” 

As  these  instructions  were  understood  to  have  been  prepared  by  Dr.  Ander- 
son, though  signed  of  course  by  all  the  secretaries,  it  must  certainly  be  inferred 
that  he  felt  cordially  interested  in  this  mission,  and  gave  it  not  only  his  best 
wishes,  but  his  entire  approval.  Would  that  all  our  hopes  had  been  realized. 

No  associate  having  been  found  for  me,  in  company  with  the  Rev.  Messrs. 
Houston,  Adger,  and  Pease,  with  their  wives,  designated  to  the  Greeks  and 
Armenians,  and  bound  for  Smyrna,  I embarked  at  Boston,  as  has  been  already 
stated,  on  the  22d  of  August,  1834.  My  ardent  hopes,  over  which  I had  long, 
and  in  simple  truth  I might  add,  sincerely  prayed,  had  at  length  been  so  far 
realized  as  to  waken,  I trust,  not  only  the  liveliest  gratitude,  but  renewed  con- 
secration to  Christ  and  His  cause.  If  a consciousness  of  devotion  to  any  cause 
was  ever  intelligently  settled  in  my  mind,  then  surely  I felt  willing  to  spend  and 
be  spent  for  the  Redeemer’s  sake  in  Persia. 

We  arrived  at  Smyrna  on  the  25th  of  October,  and  after  ten  days  delay,  I 
embarked  in  a little  cutter  of  sixty-four  tons,  (it  was  before  the  era  of  steamers 
in  those  waters,)  and  reached  Constantinople  on  the  10th  of  November.  Here 
I had  been  instructed  to  pass  the  winter  in  preparatory  studies,  and  in  acquiring 
information  about  the  country  and  people  I was  to  visit.  I gained  some  Ijnow- 
ledge  of  the  Osmhnlee  Turkish,  which  however  differs  widely  from  the  dialect 
of  the  same  general  language  spoken  in  Azerbayjan  in  Persia.  While  at  Con- 
stantinople I collected  much  information  on  oriental  nations,  and  the  general 
subject  of  missionary  labor  among  them,  which  was  subsequently  of  essential 


19 


use  to  me.  I found  that  the  missionaries  at  Constantinople,  who  had  had  long 
experience,  managed  in  many  things  very  differently  from  my  preconceived  no- 
tions, and  although  I might  not  in  all  particulars  have  viewed  matters  in  the 
same  light  with  themselves,  yet  T am  under  much  obligation  for  the  lessons 
which  their  precepts  and  practice  imparted.  I should  make  a similar  acknow- 
ledgment in  reference  to  the  missionary  brethren  with  whom  I had  previously 
made  a short,  though  to  me  interesting  and  profitable  acquaintance  at  Smyrna. 

1 found  there  was  much  to  learn  besides  languages,  in  order  to  be  duly  quali- 
fied for  meeting  the  opinionated,  self-sufficient  orientals,  and  that  instead  of 
their  flying  like  doves  to  their  windows,  with  devoted,  joyful  hearts  to  the  ban- 
ner of  the  Cross  unfurled  by  the  missionary,  they  were,  for  the  most  part,  as  shy 
of  his  hands  as  hawks  of  the  mountain.  Social  intercourse  with  people  of 
various  classes,  seemed  indeed  tolerably  free  and  extensive,  but  in  general,  its 
bearing  was  far  less  direct  on  missionary  objects,  than  I had  anticipated.  This 
general  religious  influence  at  Constantinople,  has  led  in  later  years,  under  the 
favoring  providence  of  God,  to  much  more  directness  of  operation,  a result 
which  might  be  looked  for  elsewhere  in  similar  circumstances.  Yet  at  that 
time  I had  not  ascertained  either  the  limits  of  prejudice  and  bigotry  on  the  one 
hand,  nor  the  pervading  power  of  a judicious  missionary  course  and  prolonged 
religious  influence  on  the  other.  But  I was  learning. 

While  I was  at  Constantinople,  the  oldest  missionary  at  that  station  completed 
a series  of  letters  addressed  to  a younger  brother,  but  intended  to  prepare  others 
just  entering  the  field  with  “ hints  and  cautions”  about  the  course  proper  for 
them  to  pursue,  in  the  peculiar  circumstances  and  trials  they  must  meet.  A 
copy  of  these  letters  was  sent  to  the  executive,  but  if  I mistake  not,  the  secre- 
tary for  the  foreign  correspondence  replied,  that  the  Christian  community  could 
by  no  means  bear  the  publication  of  those  articles,  inasmuch  as  the  views  preva- 
lent at  home,  respecting  missionary  operations,  differed  materially  from  many  of 
the  sober  facts  of  actual  experience  abroad.  If  I have  inadvertently  erred  on 
any  point  of  this  subject,  those  interested  can  make  the  necessary  correction. 

I allude  to  this  matter,  because  it  made  a strong  impression  on  my  mind,  and 
because  it  illustrates  so  forcibly  a principle  I have  since  found  prominent  in  a 
certain  policy,  namely,  that  great  care  must  be  taken  to  fan  hope  and  zeal  at 
home  ; to  which  end  it  often  happens  that  the  more  forbidding  features  of  the 
work  advance  but  little  beyond  the  shades  of  the  background,  while  the  lumi- 
nous parts  of  the  picture  are  adorned  with  the  fairest  facts  and  expectations. 
It  may  not  be  an  easy  task  in  all  cases  to  say  precisely  how  much  should  be 
communicated  to  the  patrons  of  missions,  since  of  course  everything  cannot  be 
presented,  nor  would  be  well  understood  if  the  attempt  were  made;  but  from 
the  time  of  the  incident  above  alluded  to,  I have  had  a growing  conviction  that 
the  churches  at  home  ought  to  have  more  information,  and  a better  understand- 
ing of  the  actual  facts  of  missionary  experience.  I should  state  further,  that, 
without  debating  with  myself  what  particular  scheme  of  correspondence  would 


20 


be  most  expedient  to  adopt,  I practically  resolved  to  state  the  facts  I communi- 
cated, and  my  own  convictions  of  truth  and  duty,  with  as  much  impartiality  and 
clearness  as  possible  ; in  short,  that  perfect  candor  and  frankness  should  be  my 
aim.  If  I erred  in  yielding  too  little  to  expediency,  and  remained  too  ignorant 
of  the  claims  and  authority  of  those  to  whom  I was  more  immediately  responsi- 
ble, and  have  suffered  in  consequence,  I still  hope  that  the  candid  and  charita- 
ble w'ill  be  lenient  in  their  judgment. 

In  company  with  the  late  Doctor  and  Mrs.  Grant,  of  the  Nestorian  mission, 
I left  Constantinople  on  the  ISth  of  August,  1835,  and  reached  Tebreez  on 
tlie  15th  of  the  following  October.  As  it  is  not  my  object  to  dwell  on  the  toils, 
privations  and  exposures  of  traveling  in  the  East,  or  to  introduce  numerous  in- 
cidents and  reflections,  although  I have  a copious  journal  embracing  a long 
period,  but  to  sketch  briefly  and  clearly  the  principal  facts  of  my  missionary 
experience,  with  reference  to  a fair  and  candid  exhibition  of  my  course  while 
under  the  patronage  of  the  Board,  I will  pass  on  to  say,  that,  during  my  first 
residence  at  Tebreez  I had  the  benefit  of  the  counsel  and  example  of  the  four 
excellent  German  missionaries  mentioned  in  the  former  part  of  this  narrative. 

Besides  diligently  acquiring  Persian,  I learned  faster  than  my  feelings  desired, 
that  the  obstacles  to  evangelical  truth  in  Persia  were  much  more  formidable 
than  all  my  liberal  allowance  for  difficulties  had  provided  for  ; and  though  I was 
by  no  means  then,  or  subsequently,  driven  to  despair  of  usefulness  in  that  field, 
yet  when  fact  after  fact  of  a forbidding  nature  fell  ponderously  in  my  way,  and 
when  my  preconceived  ideas  of  labor,  formed  after  all  the  research  I could 
make,  required  so  much  modification,  is  it  wonderful  that  in  stating  the  case 
plainly  to  the  executive  of  the  Board,  while  they  sympathized  in  the  disappoint- 
ment, they  should  also  have  imputed  to  me  more  discouragement  than  I felt ; 
till  at  length,  by  comparing  the  field  as  they  viewed  it,  with  brighter  prospects 
elsewhere,  they  became  willing  to  abandon  it,  and  were  ultimately  displeased 
with  my  persevering  adherence  to  the  people  of  my  first  choice.  My  interest  in 
Persia  was  too  firmly  fixed  to  be  easily  shaken  ; when  cut  off  from  one  hope  I 
sought  another,  and  finally  found  as  stated  on  a preceding  page,  that  there  were 
three  definite  modes  for  preparatory  work  in  Persia,  and  that  in  each  of  these 
ways,  namely,  translation,  lnstruction,  and  general  influence,  much  good 
might  and  should  be  done.  In  the  circumstances,  these  conclusions  were  ne- 
cessarily of  gradual  growth,  but  while  I was  gaining  strength  to  persevere,  un- 
fortunately the  executive  seemed  to  be  accumulating  arguments  to  abandon  the 
field.  These  opposite  views  naturally  led  to  contrary  opinions,  and  finally  to 
more  serious  differences.  But  I am  anticipating  results. 

It  is  proper  to  introduce  in  this  place  an  extract  or  two  from  a letter  I wrote 
Dr.  Anderson  on  the  20tli  of  May,  1830.  In  this  communication  doubts  and 
difficulties  relative  to  the  Persian  mission  are  more  prominently  exhibited  than 
in  any  previous  letter  I had  written ; yet  a candid  examination  of  it  will  show 
that  I was  not  only  disposed  thoroughly  to  investigate  facts,  but  strongly  inclined 


21 


to  persevere  in  the  work  I had  chosen.  It  should  be  stated  also,  that  when  I 
wrote  this  letter,  the  German  missionaries  at  Tebreez,  were  hoping  greatly  to 
enlarge  their  operations,  two  of  them  being  about  to  start  with  myself  on  an 
exploring  tour  to  Tehran  and  Isfahan,  and  as  it  was  not  expedient  for  me  to 
settle  within  the  sphere  appropriately  occupied  by  them,  my  prospect  of  finding  a 
suitable  field  in  the  country,  was,  from  various  considerations,  rendered  uncertain. 

In  these  circumstances  I wrote  Dr.  Anderson  saying,  “ I need  not  repeat  to 
you  the  cherished  interest  I have  felt  for  many  years  for  the  IMohammedans  ; I 
feel  it  still,  and,  if  it  be  the  will  of  God,  I desire  to  labor  and  die  among  them 
and  for  them.”  And  then  after  alluding  to  judgments  which  may  be  expected 
to  overtake  persecutors  of  God’s  people,  the  letter  proceeds  to  state  that,  “ Mis- 
sionaries have  labored  among  this  people,  [i.  e.  Mohammedans,]  about  thirty 
years  at  Karass,  beyond  the  Caucasus,  and  nearly  half  that  period  in  Georgia, 
and  these  efforts,  with  all  that  have  been  attempted  among  Mohammedans  in 
other  parts  of  the  world,  prove  that  the  conversion  of  Musulmans  is  a work 
involving  the  greatest  difficulty  and  trial.  I write  not  these  things  to  discourage 
either  you  or  myself ; I am  not  discouraged  ; and  through  the  help  of  Almighty 
God  we  shall  yet  prevail  and  prosper.  Let  us  stand  in  the  breach  and  avert  if 
possible,  a part  at  least,  of  the  impending  plagues.  Though  multitudes  perish, 
many  souls  may  be  saved  who  shall  shine  as  stars  forever  and  ever.”  In  this 
letter  I also  say,  “ that  all  due  attention  should  be  given  to  those  places  which 
are  most  open  for  direct  missionary  labor,  by  no  means  losing  sight  of  efforts 
merely  preparatory.”  And  in  this  connection  I endeavor  to  urge  the  impor- 
tance of  truly  evangelizing  our  own  country.  In  conclusion,  I remark,  “ What- 
ever be  our  plans  and  efforts,  we  can  never  feel  too  deeply  our  dependence  on 
God  for  success,  or  importune  too  earnestly  for  the  influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 
Without  His  almighty  aid  we  must  utterly  despair  of  ever  seeing  a single  Mos- 
lim  turn  from  the  error  of  his  belief  or  from  the  iniquity  of  his  ways. 

In  company  with  two  of  the  German  brethren.  Rev.  Messrs.  Hoernle  and 
Schneider,  I left  Tebreez  on  the  6th  of  June,  1836,  to  explore  the  central  and 
southern  parts  of  Persia.  We  arrived  at  Tehran,  the  capital  of  the  kingdom, 
on  the  24th  of  the  same  month.  From  the  gentlemen  of  the  British  Mission 
and  Military  Detachment,  then  at  Tehran,  we  received  great  kindness,  and  ob- 
tained much  information,  especially  from  J.  P.  Riach,  Esq.,  a very  intelligent, 
influential,  and  pious  member  of  the  Embassy,  who  among  other  favors  obtained 
official  letters  for  us  addressed  to  the  governors  of  Isfahan  and  Sheeriz.  I had 
the  pleasure  of  meeting  this  gentleman  the  day  after  my  arrival  at  Tebreez,  I 
repeatedly  shared  his  hospitality  during  our  cotemporary  sojourn  of  about  six 
years  in  Persia,  I enjoyed  the  benefit  of  his  counsel  and  long  experience  in 
the  East,  and  as  I believe  his  prayerful  good  wishes  ; and  gratitude  requires  that 
even  in  this  brief  sketch  I should  express  my  sincere  thanks  for  the  many  favors 
received  from  him,  and  from  other  English  gentlemen  in  that  land,  especially 
from  the  kind  friend  above  mentioned,  and  from  Alexander  Nisbet,  Esq.,  and 


22 


his  late  excellent  wife.  It  is  but  justice  to  say,  that  all  the  missionaries  who 
have  labored  in  Persia,  from  Martyn’s  time  to  the  present  day,  have  been  laid 
under  special  obligations  to  Europeans  in  that  country,  especially  to  English 
gentlemen  of  official  rank  and  influence. 

Our  inquiries  at  Tehran  led  to  a more  enlarged  and  particular  view  of  mis* 
sionary  prospects  in  Persia,  but  unhappily  obstacles  seemed  to  multiply  faster 
than  encouragements,  although  we  were  very  anxious  to  find  abundant  reasons 
to  cheer  not  only  ourselves  but  our  directors  and  friends  in  our  enterprise. 
Having  made  what  observations  we  could  at  the  capital,  we  started  on  the  eve- 
ning of  July  4th  for  Isfahan.  During  the  warm  season,  karav^ns  travel  chiefly 
by  night  in  the  East.  Our  route  lay  across  a portion  of  the  great  salt  desert, 
and  exposure  to  intense  heat  by  day,  and  chilling  night  air  toward  dawn,  with 
drinking  saline  water  and  other  causes,  “ weakened  my  strength  in  the  way,” 
and  as  I was  obliged  to  halt  one  night  at  a desolate  karavanser^y,  and  lay  down 
on  the  stone  offset  of  its  gateway,  it  seemed  that  my  weary  slumbers  would  sink 
into  that  dreamless  sleep  that  wakes  only  at  the  archangel’s  call.  Had  I opened 
my  eyes  no  more  on  the  desert  wilds  of  GabrVbkd,  perhaps  some  might  at  this 
day  have  fancied  that  I had  done  more  for  the  missionary  cause  than  they  are 
now  willing  to  allow  for  the  toils  of  eleven  trying  years.  But  if  from  the  mis* 
informed  and  prejudiced,  little  favor  is  to  be  expected,  a consciousness  of  sincere 
aim  and  effort  can  yet  say,  my  judgment  is  with  the  Lord  and  my  work  and 
reward  with  my  God. 

We  arrived  at  a village  in  the  neighborhood  of  Isfahan  on  the  15th  of  July, 
and  after  visiting  the  city,  calling  on  the  governor  by  whom  we  were  courteously 
received,  and  waiting  till  after  the  ensuing  Sabbath,  we  took  lodgings  on  the 
18th  of  the  month  at  Joolfah,  the  celebrated  Armenian  suburb  of  Isfahan. 
Here  my  companions  hoped  to  establish  a school  which  should  benefit  both 
Armenians  and  Persians,  and  prove  a radiating  center  of  light  and  influence. 
They  had  brought  a good  supply  of  Armenian,  Hebrew,  and  Persian  books, 
chiefly  the  Scriptures,  and  a considerable  number  of  Persian  Testaments  and 
copies  of  the  Psalms  and  Proverbs  in  the  same  language  were  distributed  before 
and  immediately  after  our  settlement  at  Joolfah. 

The  bigotry  and  intolerance  of  Isfahan  were  quickly  roused  ; wild  rumor 
proclaimed  through  the  city  that  we  had  come  to  overthrow  Islam,  and  fanatical 
fury  burnt  to  annihilate  us  at  once.  The  governor  getting  information  of  the 
excitement  sent  a guard  to  protect  us,  and  on  the  morning  of  the  27th  of  July 
we  were  surprised  to  learn  that  the  preceding  night  thirty  men  had  been  sta- 
tioned about  our  house  for  our  defence.  Isfahan  is  noted  for  the  number  and 
fury  of  its  lawless  mob,  and  some  of  this  class,  as  we  were  credibly  informed, 
went  to  a moosh'ta'hid  or  high  priest  of  Islam,  the  late  Sayyid  Mohammed  Baw- 
ker,  then  the  highest  religious  chief  in  Persia,  and  desired  permission  to  cut  us 
off  from  the  earth.  A word  from  him  had  doubtless  been  our  doom.  And  had 
we  fallen  in  our  own  hired  house,  or  in  the  presence  of  this  great  moolia  whom 


23 


we  soon  visited,  or  in  the  streets  and  bStzSrs  of  the  city  through  which  we  openly 
passed,  possibly  some  might  have  called  us  martyrs,  who  now  hesitate  to  allow 
that  the  writer,  after  years  of  subsequent  toil  and  exposure,  is  entitled  to  any 
thing  but  reproach  and  censure.  Misguided  impulse  once  essayed  to  sacrifice 
to  Paul  and  Barnabas,  and  shortly  after  stoned  them  with  bloody  fury,  and  the 
same  ignorance  and  prejudice  in  varying  degrees  work  out  everywhere  their 
unreasonable  results. 

The  Lord  was  our  shield  at  Isfahan.  He  turned  the  heart  of  the  chief  men 
in  our  favor,  our  guard  soon  dwindled  away,  and  we  were  left  to  the  quiet  con- 
clusion that  we  might  reside,  and  gradually  gain  influence  at  Isfahan,  provided, 
that  great  judiciousness  marked  our  course.  Not  only  were  the  Persians  of  that 
place  peculiarly  excitable  and  bigoted,  but  unhappily  we  found  that  the  Arme- 
nians, especially  their  archbishop  and  some  other  leading  men  of  that  commu- 
nity, were  not  a little  under  the  influence  of  prejudice  and  intolerance.  In  view 
of  all  the  circumstances  of  the  case,  my  companions  finally  concluded  to  post- 
pone, if  not  relinquish,  their  plan  of  establishing  a mission  at  Isfahan,  and  to 
return  forthwith  to  Tebreez  and  confer  with  their  colleagues  on  the  subject  of 
enlarging  their  operations  in  Persia.  We  parted  with  mutual  prayers  and  good 
wishes  on  the  3d  of  August,  they  starting  homeward,  and  I proceeding  with  a 
few  Persians  on  my  lonely  way  to  Sheeraz. 

Those  who  never  found  themselves  far  and  solitary  among  a people  of  strange 
speech  and  hostile  creed,  and  of  whose  fanaticism  striking  evidence  had  just 
been  given,  can  but  poorly  appreciate  the  circumstances  of  a young  missionary 
wandering  alone  over  such  untried  ground.  Yet  I can  truly  say,  that  I enjoyed 
great  peace  and  resolution  of  mind,  and  while  I had  calmly  smiled  on  danger  at 
Isfahan,  I could  cheerfully  commit  my  lonely  way  to  God.  I needed  a com- 
panion, it  is  true,  but  none  had  been  found  for  me,  and  with  a consciousness  of 
aiming  diligently  to  do  my  duty,  I was  comforted  in  committing  my  all  to  Him 
for  whose  sake  I was  a lonely  pilgrim. 

I reached  Sheeraz  on  the  17th  of  August  and  after  considerable  difficulty 
and  delay,  hired  a cheap  house  for  my  residence.  From  Trebizond,  (N.  Lat. 
41°,)  on  the  Black  sea,  I had  traveled  630  miles  to  Tebreez,  (N.  Lat.  38°  ;) 
thence,  400  to  Tehran,  (Lat.  3o^°  ;)  thence,  280  to  Isfahan,  (Lat.  32|°  ;)  and 
thence,  290  more  to  Sheeraz,  (Lat.  291° ;)  in  all  a land  journey  of  1600  miles. 
I had  also  visited  Oroomiah,  (Lat.  371°,)  which  is  about  130  miles,  by  the  road, 
in  a southwesterly  direction  from  Tebreez,  though  an  airline  across  the  lake 
would  greatly  diminish  this  distance.  In  all  these  journeyings  the  Lord  had 
been  my  guide  and  support,  and  gratitude  for  preservation  and  deliverance  was 
specially  due. 

It  takes  time  under  favorable  circumstances  for  a stranger  to  gain  a standing 
among  those  around  him ; how  much  more  must  one  patiently  wait,  when  lan- 
guage, customs  and  religion  raise  their  formidable  bars  to  friendly  intercourse. 
In  the  course  of  seven  months  however,  I had  made  such  additional  progress  in 


24 


Persian,  besides  paying  some  attention  to  Arabic,  and  had  so  far  gained  the  favor 
of  individuals  that  a fair  prospect  began  to  open  of  wider  inlluence,  provided  I 
should  remain  for  a long  period  in  that  city. 

My  teacher,  a learned  moolis,  had  passed  through  a wonderful  experience  on 
the  subject  of  religion,  and  though  he  was  a confirmed  Sooffee,  yet  he  deeply  in- 
terested my  mind  in  his  welfare,  and  many  and  long  were  our  discussions  about 
salvation,  in  which  the  greatest  plainness  and  directness  of  argument  was  mutu- 
ally employed.  A few  others  became  familiar  acquaintances,  especially  the 
British  Agent  at  Sheer&z,  a very  intelligent  and  liberal  minded  Persian,  and  the 
venerable  Meerza  Sayyid  Aly,  the  friend  and  assistant  of  the  lamented  Martyn. 
With  these  men  I felt  much  at  home,  they  drew  forth  ray  prayers  and  strong  de- 
sires for  their  salvation,  I bade  them  farewell  with  tenderness,  I have  often  sup- 
plicated a merciful  God  in  their  behalf,  and  though  I suffered  many  witherings 
of  hope  at  Sheeraz,  my  heart  still  goes  back  there  with  solemn  interest. 

Soofeeism  is  very  prevalent  at  Sheeraz,  and  consequently  bigotry  is  the  less 
fanatical,  but  even  there  I was  convinced  the  Gospel  could  not  be  formally 
preached,  nor  even  the  Scriptures  be  profitably  nor  safely  distributed  without 
judicious  caution.  And  all  my  inquiries  and  observations  in  the  country  led  to 
the  painful  conclusion  that  no  Persian,  who  should  be  known  to  renounce  Islam 
and  formally  to  embrace  Christianity,  would  escape  death,  inflicted  either  judi- 
cially by  civil  and  religious  rulers,  or  by  the  fury  of  a mob.  Still,  from  a full  sur- 
vey of  the  field  it  appeared  evident  that  much  might  be  done  to  remove  ignorance, 
mitigate  bigotry,  and  prepare  the  way  for  more  hopeful  prospects  in  any  city  of 
Persia.  But  without  an  associate,  and  far  removed  from  any  missionary  sta- 
tion, it  was  obviously  inexpedient  to  remain  at  Sheeraz,  after  the  advancing 
spring  of  1837  opened  a comfortable  way  northward.  In  addition  to  much  in- 
formation about  Persia,  I had  also  learned  that  an  exploring  tour  through  the 
countries  east  of  this  kingdom,  was  quite  inexpedient,  inasmuch  as  they  presen- 
ted still  stronger  obstacles  to  the  introduction  of  the  Gospel.  And  till  the  way  is 
measurably  prepared  in  Persia,  it  seems  obvious  that  Afghanistan  and  Tat&ry 
cannot  easily  or  efficiently  be  reached  through  the  former  country. 

Allusion  has  been  made  to  the  excitement  at  Isfahan,  in  consequence  of  a 
distribution  of  the  Scriptures  in  that  city  and  vicinity.  While  I was  at  Sheerjlz 
a zealous  distributor  came  thither  from  India,  and  with  considerable  delays  at 
the  principal  towns,  passed  northward  through  the  kingdom.  He  gave  away 
many  Persian  Testaments  at  Sheeraz,  and  though  the  excitement  was  less  than 
I anticipated,  yet  little  benefit  seemed  to  result  from  so  indiscriminate  a distri- 
bution. I was  assured  that  many  of  the  books  distributed  at  Sheeraz,  and  es- 
pecially those  given  in  villages  on  the  road  to  Isfahan,  were  destroyed,  and  a 
careful  inquiry  into  all  the  facts  I could  collect  relative  to  the  whole  subject  of 
distributing  the  Holy  Scriptures  in  Persia,  satisfied  me  that  it  should  be  done  with 
great  discrimination  and  prudence.  In  this  way  it  may  be  far  more  useful  than 
any  wholesale  issue  of  the  pearls  of  great  price.  The  free  use  of  the  Holy  Scrip- 


25 


tures  is  essentia]  to  enlighten  the  world,  yet  a nation  is  not  evangelized  just  in 
proportion  to  the  multiplication  of  Bibles  around  them,  and  where  fanaticism  is 
dominant,  a single  book  lodged  in  safe  hands  may  do  more  to  promote  the  truth, 
than  a shower  of  copies  scattered  on  all  sorts  of  characters,  especially  where  big- 
oted excitement  is  likely  to  ensue.  The  circulation  of  the  Bible,  and  of  relig- 
ious treatises  suited  to  awaken  reflection  and  conciliate  the  understanding, 
free  from  violent  attacks  on  Islam  or  its  author,  is  an  important  part  of  mission- 
ary labor  in  Persia,  but  like  other  branches  of  the  work  in  that  country,  it 
should  be  very  judiciously  performed. 

I left  Sheeraz  on  the  28th  of  March  and  returned  to  Isfahan,  where  I re- 
mained about  a fortnight  free  from  excitement  or  molestation  and  nearly  con- 
cluded a conditional  treaty  with  the  Armenians  for  establishing  a school  for 
their  benefit.  The  plan  however  was  not  matured,  chiefly  in  consequence  of 
their  bigoted  fears  of  sectarian  influence.  Taking  the  road  to  Hamadan,  I 
visited  the  reputed  tomb  of  Esther  and  Mordecai  in  that  ancient  city,  where  the 
Jews  are  numerous,  but  much  oppressed.  At  Sheeraz  a miserable  remnant  of 
this  forlorn  race  groan  under  grievous  oppressions.  At  Isfahan  there  is  a lar- 
ger community  of  this  people,  and  probably  better  off  than  in  any  other  Persian 
city.  The  Jews  were  once  exceedingly  numerous  in  Persia,  and  from  histori- 
cal facts  and  the  actual  manners  and  customs  of  the  nation,  there  is  abundant 
reason  to  conclude  that  much  Hebrew  blood  flows  in  the  main  stream  of  the 
Persian  race.  Mohammedism  has  absorbed  what  it  could,  and  pants  to  swallow 
the  remnant.  From  Hamadan  I proceeded  direct  to  Tebreez,  and  found  all  the 
German  missionaries  had  left  that  city,  abandoning  their  labors  in  Persia,  with 
the  exception  of  Mr.  Wolters,  who  quitted  the  country  the  same  summer,  and 
thus  the  whole  field,  east  of  Oroomiah,  was  again  unoccupied.  Needing  rest 
and  some  social  comforts,  at  least  for  a season,  I proceeded  to  the  Nestorian 
mission  at  Oroomiah,  whither  I arrived  on  the  3d  of  June,  and  where  I diligent- 
ly pursued  my  studies  on  the  language  and  religion  of  the  Persians,  and  engaged 
in  such  intercourse  with  them  as  providential  circumstances  afforded,  suffering 
in  the  course  of  my  sojourn  there  protracted  and  severe  prostration  ofhealth. 

Under  date  of  June  19,  1837,  I sent  Dr.  Anderson  a long  account  of  my  ob- 
servations and  inquiries  in  Persia,  in  which  I endeavored  to  state  the  plain  facts 
of  the  case  with  as  much  impartiality  and  candor  as  possible.  I had  found,  it  is 
true,  more  obstacles  to  the  introduction  of  the  Gospel  among  the  Persians  than 
I once  thought  existed,  and  though  I could  not  be  insensible  to  their  influence, 
I still  felt  that  there  was  an  important  work  to  be  done  in  Persia,  and  that  I was 
solemnly  responsible  to  God  for  faithfully  discharging  my  duty  in  this  matter. 

Before  writing  the  letter  above  alluded  to,  I had  received  a communication  from 
Dr.  Anderson  in  which,  after  acknowledging  the  receipt  of  a number  of  let- 
ters from  me,  he  says,  under  date  of  ‘ Dec.  27th,  1836,’  “ we  have  followed 
you  in  your  travels  with  deep  interest,  and  bless  the  Lord  for  your  preserva- 
tion amid  dangers  seen  and  unseen,  and  especially  while  in  the  bigoted  city 
4 


26 


of  Isfahan.  Verily  the  Lord  has  been  with  you  of  a truth,  and  1 doubt  not 
will  continue  ever  to  stand  by  you.  It  seems,  however,  that  you  do  not  find 
much  reason  to  believe  that  the  set  time  to  favor  Persia  has  yet  come.  I am  not 
surprised  by  your  statements.  We  were  for  a long  time  reluctant  to  establish  a 
mission  in  Persia,  and  were  at  last  persuaded  to  it  chiefly  by  the  fixed  resolution 
of  your  mind.  We  thought,  perhaps  the  Lord  waspreparing  the  way  secretly  for 
a mission  among  that  people,  and  was  therefore  inclining  your  heart  to  that  mis- 
sion. ' We  see  no  evidence  yet  that  you  have  mistaken  the  path  of  your  duty,  even 
though  your  stay  in  Persia  should  be  temporary.  It  is  important  to  know  even 
that  the  time  has  not  come  for  attempting  a permanent  occupation  of  the  ground. 

“ We  very  much  doubt  the  expediency  of  having  a mission  to  the  Mohammed- 
ans established  in  Oroomiah  at  present.  We  fear  it  might  wake  up  the  fanati- 
cism of  the  Musulmans  there  as  it  did  at  Isfahan,  and  endanger  the  stability  and 
prosperity  of  the  mission  among  the  Nestorian  Christians.  Our  shortest  and  most 
effectual  way,  probably  of  acting  on  the  Mohammedans  of  Oroomiah,  is  by  pros- 
ecuting as  efficiently  as  may  be  our  mission  among  the  Christians  in  their  midst. 

“ I have  brought  the  case  of  your  mission  before  the  Committee,  and  they  give 
you  the  alternative,  in  case  it  should  be  your  duty  to  leave  Persia,  of  joining  the 
mission  in  Syria.  You  might  perhaps  make  Damascus  your  head  quarters. 
The  climate  would  be  as  favorable  as  any  we  think  of  in  western  Asia.  I fear 
you  would  hardly  be  able  to  proceed  to  Syria  through  Mesopotamia  without 
great  suffering,  and  a probable  loss  of  life.  I beg  of  you  not  to  undertake  hazard- 
ous journeys  in  Persia  alone.  The  Saviour  does  not  require  it.  ” 

This  communication  surprised  me  not  a little,  as  I was  totally  unconscious  of 
having  intimated  a desire  to  be  released  from  the  Persian  mission  and  transferred 
to  another  sphere.  I had  not  then  learned  that  the  executive  of  the  Board  some- 
times decide  on  measures  affecting  a missionary  most  deeply,  without  in  the 
least  consulting  his  own  views  of  duty.  But  cherishing  for  them  the  greatest  re- 
spect, and  reposing  in  them  affectionate  and  almost  unlimited  confidence,  my 
mind  fastened  on  their  kindness  in  looking  for  a more  genial  climate,  which  my 
experience  at  Tebreez,  before  I was  properly  acclimated  and  had  learned  to  pro- 
tect myself,  had  seemed  to  require. 

I replied  to  this  unexpected  overture  as  follows  : “ I come  now  lo  speak  of  the 
alternative  which  the  Prudential  Committee  have  kindly  given  me  of  joining  the 
Syrian  mission  with  the  probable  prospect  of  being  stationed  at  Damascus.  I 
desire  the  Committee  to  be  assured  of  my  very  grateful  sense  of  this  unasked  fa- 
vor, this  tender  interest  in  my  health  and  welfare.  But,  my  dear  brother,  I am 
not  yet  prepared  to  abandon  this  discouraging  field,  notwithstanding  I have  suf- 
fered more  in  wandering  over  it  and  contemplating  its  prospects,  than  I once 
thought  myself  capable  of  suffering  from  any  cause  whatever,  aside  from  a sense 
of  my  own  sinfulness.  I came,  or  rather  as  1 believe,  teas  brought,  soul  and  body 
to  Persia,  and  I cannot  leave  till  I feel  the  pressure  of  the  same  invisible  hand  ur- 
ging my  departure.  Besides,  I am  yet  to  learn  if,  to  a great  extent  the  MusulmSins 
of  Syria  are  better  prepared  to  receive  the  Gospel  than  the  Musulmkns  of  Persia. 


27 


After  a very  deliberate,  and  I trust  prayerful  examination  of  the  whole 
question  relative  to  my  future  course,  I have  concluded  that  it  is  my  duty  to 
remain  in  Persia,  until  other  missionaries  to  the  Mohammedans  occupy  the 
ground,  or  special  providences  carry  me  away.  It  may  be  that  the  Lord  has 
somewhat  for  me  to  do  in  this  country,  or  at  least  something  more  for  me  to 
suffer  here,  and  while  I feel  the  detaining  hand  of  His  providence,  I cannot 
break  away  from  my  adopted  land.  I am  satisfied  1 shall  know  when  the  prop- 
er hour  for  my  departure  comes,  if  come  it  must,  otherwise,  if  I can  leave  no 
other  memorial  of  having  been  in  Persia,  let  me  leave  at  least  the  little  mound 
which  ere  long  will  mark  the  spot  where  this  oft  sorrowful  bosom  has  found  re- 
pose. ” 

Not  only  was  permission  given  me  to  join  the  Syrian  mission,  but  in  January 
1837,  Dr.  Anderson  wrote  my  friend,  the  Rev.  J.  F.  Lanneau,  of  said  mission, 
apprizing  him  of  the  fact.  While  at  Beyroot  to  attend  a general  meeting  of  the 
Syrian  mission,  in  May  of  that  year,  and  probably  after  more  or  less  consulta- 
tion with  the  brethren  on  the  subject,  Mr.  Lanneau,  though  declaring  that  ‘ his 
arms  and  those  of  his  brethren  would  be  open  to  receive  me,’  says,  “ In  regard 
to  the  Mohammedans  of  Persia,  it  appears  to  me  that  a fair  trial  has  not  yet 
been  made  to  ascertain  decidedly  whether  a mission  to  them  is  entirely  hope- 
less. It  requires  years  of  patient  study  of  the  language,  and  a gradual  and  ex- 
tensive acquaintance  with  the  people,  before  a missionary  can  make  the  experi- 
ment to  advantage,  of  preaching  the  Gospel  among  them.  As  yet  you  have  had 
hardly  time  and  opportunity  enough  to  do  either.  Besides,  no  mission  has  ever 
been  established  without  having  encountered  at  its  commencement  some  dis- 
couraging circumstances.  It  would  be  unreasonable  therefore,  to  expect  that 
yours  would  not  be  attended  with  difficulties  calculated  to  dampen  your  ardor 
and  to  weaken  your  faith.  But  it  is  necessary  that  our  faith  should  be  tried,  and 
tried  severely.  I should  be  sorry  to  have  your  mission  abandoned  after  so  short 
and  necessarily  imperfect  experiments.  So  far  as  my  experience  goes,  the  pres- 
ent state  of  the  Moslim  world  affords  much  ground  of  hope.  Prejudice  has 
been  wearing  away,  the  intercourse  with  Christians,  and  especially  with  Euro- 
peans and  Americans  is  becoming  every  day  more  free  and  open.  The  religion 
of  the  False  Prophet  is  losing  its  hold  on  the  respect  and  confidence  of  many  of 
its  professors. 

“ In  Jerusalem  I have  hired  a house  in  the  Moslim  quarter,  and  am  daily 
visited  by  the  most  distinguished  and  influential  of  their  number.  Several  of 
them  read  the  Bible  and  one  at  least  appears  to  be  a sincere  inquirer  after  the 
truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus.  Mrs.  Whiting’s  school  is  composed  chiefly  of  Moslim 
girls,  and  on  the  whole  I feel  encouraged  to  hope,  that  the  time  for  the  salvation 
of  this  people  is  not  far  distant.” 

Mr.  Lanneau’s  view  of  persevering  in  a new  and  difficult  mission,  will  doubt- 
less approve  itself  to  all  candid  minds,  that  will  likewise  commend  him  for 
speaking  a word  of  comfort  to  one  supposed  to  be  weary.  Had  the  executive 
cheered  and  sustained  me  in  a kindred  spirit,  the  result  of  the  Persian  mission 


28 


might  have  been  far  different.  But  it  seems  that  the  foreign  secretary,  at  least 
had  already  begun  to  look  for  specious  reasons  to  abandon  the  field. 

It  will  be  recollected  that  Dr.  Anderson  in  his  letter  of  December,  1836,  casts 
the  responsibility  of  having  originated  the  Persian  mission  chiefly  or  entirely  on 
myself.  Without  refusing  such  an  honor,  provided  it  be  due,  I ask  any  candid 
impartial  mind,  if  the  declarations  of  Mr.  Greene,  Dr.  Wisner,  and  of  Dr.  An- 
derson himself,  as  quoted  in  the  foregoing  pages,  from  their  letters  and  instruc- 
tions, do  not  show  conclusively,  that,  however  they  may  have  hesitated  and 
inquired  at  first,  they  ultimately  engaged  in  this  enterprise  with  cordial  earnest- 
ness ; and  if  they  were  not  so  well  prepared  by  long  cherished  interest  to  meet 
discouragements  as  the  lonely  pilgrim  they  had  sent  forth,  yet  was  it  due  then, 
and  is  it  proper  and  magnanimous  now,  to  cast  on  him  the  whole  burden  of  a 
cause  they  finally  abandoned  in  spite  of  all  remonstrance  and  entreaty  ? 

I certainly  was  led  to  conclude  from  the  tone  and  apparent  interest  of  the  sec- 
retaries, that  they  cordially  approved  the  plan  of  establishing  a Persian  mission, 
and  lent  their  cooperation  not  only  without  reluctance,  but  with  a ready  and 
cheerful  assumption  of  their  appropriate  responsibility  in  the  matter.  And  this 
impression,  which  I carried  from  America,  was  further  confirmed  by  some  of  Dr. 
Anderson’s  letters  written  in  the  earlier  part  of  my  missionary  course.  Under 
date  of  ‘ June  6,  1835,’  he  says,  “ I am  glad  to  see  you  regarding  your  mission  in 
an  animating  point  of  view.  It  ought  to  be  so  regarded.  Mr.  Perkins’  remark 
which  you  have  quoted,  exerted  no  discouraging  influence  on  our  minds.  With 
your  ideas  of  prudence  incumbent  upon  you,  which  appear  to  me  to  be  just,  and 
with  the  promised  blessing  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  you  have  not  much  to  ap- 
prehend from  the  Moslims  in  the  way  of  personal  violence.”  In  the  same  let- 
ter he  very  kindly  says,  “ Take  care  of  yourself,  lest  the  Persian  mission  should 
become  extinct.  Men  ready  to  hazard  their  lives  for  the  extension  of  a spiritual 
kingdom  of  righteousness,  are  very  scarce.  The  Lord  raise  and  thrust  forth 
many  such.” 

Again,  ‘ Oct.  19,  1835,’  he  emphatically  says,  “ Take  also  the  very  best  care 
of  your  health.  We  have  no  misgivings  as  to  your  mission.  The  followers  of 
Mohammed  are  included  in  the  promises.”  In  the  same  letter  referring  to  the 
subject  of  a colleague  he  remarks,  “ Be  patient,  dear  brother,  and  the  Lord  in 
due  time  will  provide.  We  are  looking  for  a man  of  high  qualities  in  every  re- 
spect. You  need  not  be  anxious  lest  he  should  not  be  a man  with  whom  you 
can  sympathize.  If  the  first  manjwe  send  does  not  suit  you,  he  can  take  a new 
station,  and  we  can  send  two  more.  Two  stations  will  be  none  too  many  in 
Persia.”  In  April  ‘ 16,  1836,’  alluding  to  some  correspondence  relative  to  a 
missionary  brother.  Dr.  Anderson  remarks  that,  he  “ was  designated  to  the  Syr- 
ian mission,  as  wc  wished  to  send  you  a medical  companion.”  And  again,  ‘ Ju- 
ly 14,  1836,’  he  says,  “ I think  you  ought  not  to  travel  much  until  you  have  an 
associate.  * * We  are  still  looking  for  a medical  associate  for  you  in  the 

mission.” 

Now  after  all  the  svmpathy  and  interest  in  behalf  of  the  Persian  mission  and 


29 


myself,  expressed  in  the  foregoing  extracts,  was  I not  fully  warranted  to  conclude 
that  the  executive  of  the  Board  viewed  this  subject  with  decided  approbation 
and  favor.  Had  ‘ two  stations  been  found  none  too  many  in  Persia,’  and  had 
a glorious  harvest  been  discovered  and  safely  garnered  in  the  house  of  salvation, 
would  so  much  pains  have  been  taken  to  convince  everybody  that  the  executive 
only  permitted  the  work  in  order  to  escape  the  importunity  of  one  they  lacked 
a decent  pretext  for  rejecting.  But  when  at  length  a more  accurate  knowledge 
of  the  facts  of  the  case,  plain  providences,  and  an  honest  endeavor  to  state  the 
whole  truth  threw  a shade  over  the  prospects  of  the  mission,  was  it  kind,  and  is 
\ijust  and  generous,  for  Dr.  Anderson  to  throw  the  responsibility  of  this  matter 
on  me,  and  hint  that  their  unerring  wisdom  anticipated  an  unfavorable  issue  ? 
The  Lord  judge  between  us,  and  mercifully  pardon  wherein  either  or  any  of  us 
may  have  erred  in  our  designs  and  labors  to  build  up  Zion. 

In  reference  to  my  letter  of  June  19th,  and  the  subject  of  abandoning  the  Per- 
sian mission.  Dr.  Anderson  under  date  of  ‘ Jan.  26,  1838,’  remarks,  “ I feel 
greatly  obliged  by  the  freedom  and  fullness  of  your  letters,  and  especially  of  your 
letter  of  June  19th.  I perceive  you  are  not  aware  of  the  degree  of  feeling  you 
throw  into  some  of  your  letters,  especially  when  you  are  describing  your  views 
of  the  discouraging  aspects  of  the  mission.  We  received  the  impression  from 
your  letters  that  it  would  be  a relief  to  your  feelings  to  know  that  you  might  go 
to  some  other  field  if  you  chose,and  hence  the  permission  to  go  into  Syria.  That 
inference  was  fully  warranted  by  the  tone  of  your  letters,  and  the  permission 
was  dictated  solely  by  a regard  for  your  happiness,  in  which  your  health  and 
usefulness  are  much  involved ; and  it  was  mentioned  to  Mr.  Lanneau,  I pre- 
sume, in  consequence  of  the  correspondence  which  had  been  held  with  him  on 
the  subject  of  his  going  to  Persia.” 

“ The  tone  of  my  letters,”  or  at  least  the  tone  they  were  assumed  to  impart,  was 
thus  made  the  ground  of  a hasty  decision  which,  while  it  indicated  a failure  of 
sympathy  and  interest  in  the  Persian  mission,  seems  never  to  have  been  lost 
sight  of,  though  postponed  and  repeated,  till  finally  accomplished  by  a still 
stronger  exercise  of  official  power.  I have  been  accused  of  ‘ dwelling  on  the 
dark  side’  in  my  correspondence,  but  I have  not  been  conscious  of  it  myself ; 
on  the  contrary,  it  was  ray  honest  aim,  and  I thought  not  always  missed,  to  dwell 
on  both  sides  in  due  proportion  of  actual  facts,  and  to  arrive,  if  possible,  at 
right  conclusions.  That  my  letters  were  illuminated  with  few  glowing  pictures 
of  visionary  hope,  is  perhaps  true,  but  if  I have  come  short  of  the  standard  of 
some  others  in  presenting  beautiful  scenes,  the  nature  of  my  field  must  be  my 
apology. 

I remained  at  Oroomiah  till  the  21st  of  November,  1837,  when  at  the  urgent 
solicitation  of  Malik  K&sim  Meerzd,  an  uncle  of  the  present  Shah  or  King  of 
Persia,  I accompanied  this  prince  to  his  residence  in  the  large  village  of  Shees- 
hahwan  on  the  eastern  shore  of  the  lake  of  Oroomiah.  I remained  about  three 
months  in  the  household  of  this  prince,  who  uniformly  treated  me  with  much 


30 


kindness  and  courtesy,  which  was  extended  through  all  the  subsequent  seasons  of 
our  intercourse  and  correspondence.  I instructed  him  and  a number  of  the  young 
men  of  his  household  in  various  branches  of  the  English  language,  and  many 
and  pointed  were  our  discussions  on  the  subject  of  religion.  He  subsequently 
procured  for  me  a Firman,  or  royal  order,  from  the  Shah,  authorizing  me  to 
establish  a school  at  Tebreez,  and  it  was  chiefly  owing  to  his  influence  that  I 
was  able  in  1839,  to  procure  justice  from  the  provincial  and  central  Government 
in  behalf  of  the  mission  at  Oroomiah,  whose  attempt  to  establish  a health  retreat 
in  the  Nestorian  village  of  Gavalan  was  violently  interrupted  by  a Persian  of 
rank  who  claimed  jurisdiction  in  the  village.  This  affair,  which  is  fully  detailed 
in  Mr.  Perkins’  “ Residence  in  Persia,”  was  thought  deeply  to  affect  the  wel- 
fare and  prospects  of  the  Nestorian  mission. 

As  Malik  Kasim  Meerza’s  school  was  not  of  an  encouraging  character,  and 
as  circumstances  did  not  seem  to  require  my  longer  stay  with  him,  I proceeded 
to  Tebreez,  whence  after  some  delay  I returned  to  Oroomiah,  where  I remained 
till  the  following  July.  From  the  time  of  my  return  from  Sheerkz,  I had  been 
looking  to  Tebreez  as  my  probable  station,  and  when  in  the  summer  of  1838, 
the  British  Embassy,  in  consequence  of  a misunderstanding  with  the  Persian 
Government,  temporarily  left  Persia,  the  brethren  at  Oroomiah  thought  it  neces- 
sary that  they  should  have  an  agent  near  the  provincial  Authorities,  since  they 
did  not  expect  that  as  ready  and  ample  protection  would  be  extended  to  them 
by  the  Russians,  as  had  been  so  generously  granted  by  the  English.  Although 
still  without  an  associate,  the  way  was  plainly  opened  for  my  settling  at  Te- 
breez, which  I had  so  long  regarded  as  my  probable  missionary  home.  I accor- 
dingly repaired  thither  in  July,  and  after  making  some  arrangements,  with  other 
delays,  I returned  to  Oroomiah,  and  with  what  few  effects  and  books  I possess- 
ed, I started  on  the  22d  of  August,  1838,  just  four  years  from  the  date  of  my 
embarkation  at  Boston,  for  my  solitary  home,  whither  I arrived  on  the  28th  of 
the  same  month. 

I now  considered  my  explorations  finished,  and  myself  settled,  at  least  till  oth- 
er providences  should  plainly  summon  me  to  a different  sphere.  I had  then 
amassed  much  missionary  information,  acquired  a good  knowledge  of  the  lan- 
guage and  religion  of  the  Persians,  whom  I had  sincerely  sought  to  benefit  as 
Providence  had  given  opportunity.  And  if  like  some  who  had  preceded  me  in 
the  same  field,  I had  no  small  occasion  to  say,  “ I have  labored  in  vain,  I have 
spent  my  strength  for  nought,”  I still  could  commit  my  way  and  reward  to  Him 
that  judgeth  righteously  ; while  with  steady  perseverance  I sought  to  finish  the 
work  He  gave  me  to  do.  Duty  seemed  plainly  to  point  to  a permanent  resi- 
dence at  Tebreez,  and  finally,  contrary  to  previous  expectations.  He  who  saw 
that  it  was  not  good  for  man  to  be  alone,  provided,  in  His  overruling  providence, 
a worthy  helpmeet  in  the  spring  of  1839.  My  situation  was  thus  improved,  and  I 
hoped  it  would  be  permanent,  as  increasing  intercourse,  and  I think  I may  in  truth 
add,  some  personal  consideration  and  influence  among  the  Persians,  including 


31 


some  of  the  highest  officers  of  the  government  of  Azerbayjftn,  led  me  to  hope  for 
at  least  a degree  of  usefulness  in  that  field  of  preparatory  labor. 

Early  in  my  missionary  course  I had  been  impressed  with  the  importance  of 
a thorough  knowledge  of  the  religious  books  of  the  Persians,  of  which  they 
have  not  a few,  and  when  at  Sheer^z,  I began  a system  of  reading  and  investiga- 
tion, embracing  as  far  as  possible  the  whole  Mohammedan  belief,  which  study 
continued  to  be  a prominent  object  for  years,  greatly  aided  me  in  discussions 
with  their  learned  men,  and  finally  led  to  the  completion  of  a voluminous  trans- 
lation on  the  Life  and  Religion  of  Mohammed.  Hitherto  however,  patronage 
has  not  been  secured  to  publish  this  book,  which  cost  immense  labor,  but  was 
eminently  useful  in  imparting  qualification  for  the  work  in  which  I was  engaged. 

No  man,  whatever  his  talents  and  piety  may  be,  can  reasonably  expect  either 
to  understand  the  religious  belief  of  an  intelligent  and  metaphysical  people,  like 
the  Persians,  or  to  meet  their  arguments  and  prejudices  with  success,  without  a 
thorough  knowledge  of  their  theological  works  and  opinions,  which  knowledge 
often  requires  more  severe  study  and  labor  than  the  mere  acquisition  of  the  lan- 
guage. A missionary  without  this  necessary  information,  may  indeed  make  him- 
self busy,  and  perhaps  seem  to  his  patrons  at  home  to  be  most  zealously  active, 
while  in  his  discussions  with  the  learned  natives  around  him,  he  may  be  smiled  at 
or  frowned  on  for  his  ignorance  of  their  ancient  and  stately  system  of  faith. 
The  missionary  who  systematically  improves  every  opportunity  to  promote  his 
qualifications  for  his  work,  and  meanwhile  steadily  endeavors  to  accomplish  the 
most  he  can  in  the  sphere  of  his  labor,  and  diligently  tries  to  avail  himself  of  ev- 
ery providential  circumstance  to  advance  the  cause  of  truth,  may  from  the  absence 
of  striking  popular  proofs  of  his  fidelity,  be  accused  of  unfaithfulness  by  igno- 
rance or  prejudice;  but  with  a conscious  sense  of  integrity  to  his  trust,  though 
lamenting  the  mistakes  and  errors  into  which  he  may  have  fallen,  he  can  yet  ap- 
peal with  confidence  from  fallible  mortals  to  a Divine  tribunal. 

Previous  to  my  settlement  at  Tebreez,  as  was  natural  in  the  trying  circum- 
stances in  which  I had  been  thrown,  I had  requested  farther  instructions  relative 
to  my  course,  and  in  reply,  under  date  of  ‘ July  12,  1838,’  Dr.  Anderson  says, 
“ your  alternations  of  hope  and  disappointment  are,  I suppose,  what  must  for  a 
long  time  be  expected  among  such  a people  as  the  Persians.  For  my  part  I 
find  much  encouragement  in  the  doctrine  of  election.  How  it  cheered  Paul  at 
Corinth  I * ♦ * You  are  in  Persia  as  a matter  of  duty,  and  whatever  be  or 

be  not  the  immediate  fruit  of  your  labors,  you  will  not  lose  your  reward.  I 
know  not  what  new  instructions  we  can  give  you.  You  are  an  ambassador  from 
the  Churches  and  from  Christ  himself  to  Persia,  to  observe  and  report  the  state 
of  things  among  the  Mohammedans  of  that  kingdom,  and  to  exert  whatever 
good  influences  may  be  put  within  your  power.  Your  mission  will  probably 
have  ulterior  influences  beyond  your  present  expectations.  Gather  all  the  au- 
thentic information  you  can,  and  do  not  look  too  much  on  the  dark  side  of 
things.  It  seems  to  me  wise  to  make  the  most  of  every  such  opportunity  as 


32 


the  prince’s  invitation  gave  you.”  Views  similar,  in  part  at  least,  to  the  above, 
are  expressed  again  by  Dr.  Anderson,  in  January,  1839,  but  little  or  no  en- 
couragement was  held  out  of  sending  me  an  associate.  While  I aimed  to  state 
every  case  fairly,  and  always  encouraged  perseverance,  I regret  to  have  been 
misunderstood,  or  that  others  should  have  looked  at  ‘ the  dark  side  of  things’ 
in  the  mission,  more  than  myself ; I may  however,  honestly  confess,  that  if  I err- 
ed in  this  particular,  it  grew  out  of  my  failing  sufficiently  to  “ magnify  my  of- 
fice.” Had  I put  myself  and  my  work  in  a stronger  light  of  importance,  and 
sent  more  echoes  of  my  discussions  and  doings  to  the  western  sky,  I should 
have  gained  a fairer  place  in  the  note  book  of  fame.  Let  others  be  admonished 
by  my  example. 

Having  obtained  a Firman,  or  Government  order,  first  from  the  Prince-Gover- 
nor of  Azerbkyjan,  and  subsequently  from  the  Shah  or  King  of  Persia,  authoriz- 
ing me  to  open  a school  for  Persians  and  others  at  Tebreez,  I laid  the  matter  be- 
fore the  Committee,  who  in  March,  1839,  negatived  my  proposals,  on  the  ground 
of  their  own  apprehension  that  the  Christian  religion  must  not  be  taught  in  the 
proposed  school.  A school  may  be  opened  in  Persia  without  a Government  or- 
der, but  such  authority  is  supposed  to  give  the  enterprise  a better  standing  and 
higher  character,  and  though,  as  I informed  the  Committee,  the  Christian  reli- 
gion cannot  be  formally  and  publicly  taught  in  a school,  or  elsewhere  among 
the  Persians,  yet  Christian  instruction  can  be  given,  and  much  done  to  miti- 
gate prejudice  and  prepare  the  way  of  truth.  My  observations  in  Persia  had 
not  made  me  sanguine  of  great  benefit  from  schools  among  that  people,  but  be- 
lieving that  something  might  be  done  in  this  department,  I was  desirous  to 
make  the  trial. 

A French  school,  commenced  about  this  time  at  Tebreez,  led  me  to  postpone, 
in  my  own  mind,  this  undertaking,  but  neither  then,  nor  subsequently,  did  the 
executive  of  the  Board  authorize  and  sustain  the  measure.  I was  left  thus 
without  definite  instructions,  without  counsel  and  aid  in  any  particular  course, 
to  do  the  best  I could  in  the  circumstances,  alone.  I honestly  endeavored  to 
be  faithful,  and  although  often  deeply  grieved  that  I could  do  no  more,  I yet 
uniformly  felt  that  I was  in  the  sphere  of  duty,  and  was  not  without  evidence 
that  my  missionary  influence  was  increasing.  Though  I could  no  longer  flatter 
myself,  after  the  repeated  indications  I had  received,  that  the  former  sympathy 
and  interest  manifested  by  the  executive  in  my  work,  remained  unimpaired,  still 
I hoped  for  toleration,  and  little  expected  the  trial  maturing  for  me. 

On  the  5th  of  November,  1839,  Dr.  Anderson  wrote  me  as  follows : “ My 
particular  object  in  this  letter  — which  I send  by  way  of  Havre,  there  being  no 
vessel  up  for  Smyrna  — is  to  make  a proposal  to  you  which  I think  must  be 
rather  pleasant  to  you  on  reflection.  It  is  not  a proposal  made  hastily  by  the 
Committee,  but  is  the  result  of  a good  deal  of  reflection  as  to  the  best  employ- 
ment of  your  own  labors  as  a missionary  and  the  arrangement  most  likely  to 
bring  glory  to  the  Redeemer.  It  is  contained  in  the  following  extract  from  the 


33 


minutes  of  the  Committee’s  proceedings  on  the  22d  ult.  ‘ “ The  Committee  were 
of  opinion,  that  it  is  desirable  for  the  mission  to  the  Persian  Mohammedans  to 
cease  its  existence  as  a mission,  and  for  Mr.  Merrick  to  be  united  to  the  Nes" 
torian  mission.  A resolution  to  that  effect  was  accordingly  adopted.” 

“ In  communicating  this  minute  to  the  brethren  of  the  Nestorian  mission,  I 
have  written  them  as  follows  : ‘ The  proposed  change  will  not  change  the  nature 
of  your  mission.  It  will  not  make  it  a mission  to  the  Nestorians  and  the  Mo- 
hammedans. It  will  still  be,  after  the  accession  of  Mr.  Merrick,  as  much  as  it 
ever  was,  and  as  entirely,  a mission  to  the  Nestorians ; but  it  will  enable  the 
mission  to  avail  itself,  more  than  it  now  can,  of  any  openings  for  exerting  influ- 
ence on  your  Muslim  neighbors  Our  distinct  and  professed  mission  to  the 
Perso-Mohammedans  will  cease.  In  point  of  fact,  however,  I presume  Mr. 
Merrick’s  usefulness,  direct  and  indirect,  among  the  Persians,  will  be  increased  ; 
and  I feel  confident  that  his  influence,  as  well  as  his  happiness,  on  the  whole, 
will  be. 

‘ The  appointment  of  an  associate  for  him  in  his  present  mission,  now,  is  out 
of  the  question,  nor  do  I see  any  prospect  of  one’s  being  appointed  in  future.  I 
feel  sure  that  no  suitable  man  would  be  willing  to  go,  after  reading  all  his  let- 
ters to  us  ; and  we  should  not  think  it  right  to  have  a man  go  without  reading 
them.  No  doubt  Mr.  M.  has  dwelt  too  much  on  the  dark  side  of  things,  but 
then  the  Committee  and  the  candidates  for  employment  will  be  and  must  neces- 
sarily be  influenced  by  such  documents  and  evidence  as  are  before  them.  How- 
ever, taking  everything  into  view,  the  Committee  are  satisfied  that  it  is  not  wise 
for  them  to  attempt  to  carry  on  the  Perso-Mohammedan  mission  longer,  and  that 
it  is  highly  expedient  that  Mr.  Merrick  unite  his  name  and  his  labors  with  you. 
We  presume  this  will  not  be  unpleasant  either  to  you  or  to  him.  We  shall  rec- 
ommend to  him  to  meet  and  confer  with  you  on  this  subject  without  delay.’ 

“ I suppose  it  admits  of  serious  doubt  whether  it  is  wise  to  have,  professedly 
and  declaredly,  a mission  to  the  Mohammedans.  But  this  has  not  come  into 
consideration  in  the  present  case. 

“ Your  past  painful  experience  must  have  prepared  your  mind  to  acquiesce 
cheerfully  and  perhaps  joyfully,  in  the  plan  proposed.  You  need  not  wait  to 
hear  from  us  again,  before  removing  to  Oroomiah.  Of  course  you  understand 
that  you  are  to  become  one  of  the  Nestorian  mission,  just  like  the  other  breth- 
ren, subjecting  your  missionary  movements,  as  the  brethren  do,  to  the  decision 
of  the  majority  ; and  I am  happy  to  know  that  you  have,  and  that  you  have  rea- 
son to  have,  entire  confidence  in  them.” 

Although  I was  to  have  been  so  strictly  associated  with  the  Nestorian  mission, 
yet  it  is  implied  that  I was  not  to  neglect  the  Persians,  for  it  is  expressly  said 
that  my  accession  “ will  enable  the  mission  to  avail  itself,  more  than  it  now  can, 
of  any  openings  for  exerting  influence  on  your  Muslim  neighbors.”  In  reference 
to  the  disouraging  tone  of  my  letters,  I again  say  that  I think  it  entirely  overrated, 
and  it  seems  introduced  on  various  occasions  to  justify  the  decisions  of  the  exec- 
5 


utive,  while  no  notice  is  taken  of  niy  uniform  urgency  to  persevere  in  sustain' 
ing  the  mission. 

The  apparent  regard  for  my  welfare  and  usefulness,  and  the  long  cherished 
confidence  I reposed  in  the  executive  of  the  Board,  naturally  led  me  to  impute 
the  kindest  and  best  motives  to  them,  however  their  decisions  crossed  my  plans 
and  labors.  Dr,  Anderson’s  letter  was  received  on  the  3d  of  February  1840, 
and  on  the  same  day  I wrote  him  as  follow's:  “ your  kind  letter  of  last  Nov- 
ember 5th,  has  just  reached  me.  The  proposal  of  abandoning  my  field  surprises 
and  pains  me  more  than  I can  express.  ‘ You  think  it  must  be  rather  pleas- 
ant to  me  on  reflection.’  It  has  been  reflected  on.  Last  March  the  dear 
brethren  of  Oroomiah  addressed  me  a note  of  very  fraternal  invitation  to  join 
them,  provided  providential  circumstances  should  lead  me  away  from  the  dis- 
couraging field  I occupy.  I replied  that  there  were  no  brethren  with  whom  I 
could  more  cordially  unite  than  with  them,  but  there  were  two  objections  to  my 
doing  so  ; first,  my  attachment  to  my  own  field  ; and  second, the  insalubrity  of  Oroo- 
miah.” * * On  this  point  I would  here  say,  that  the  uniform  tone  of  that 

mission  in  reference  to  insalubrity,  had  been  very  discouraging,  and  my  own 
debility  there  had  not  tended  to  remove  the  apprehension,  yet  later  experience 
has  shown,  if  I mistake  not,  that  much  of  the  sickness  of  the  mission  in  its  ear- 
lier years  is  to  be  attributed  to  the  want  of  suitable,  airy  apartments,  and  though 
the  city  cannot  be  considered  very  healthy,  yet  with  proper  care  and  accommo- 
dation, especially  when  one  is  somewhat  acclimated,  a residence  in  the  city  even, 
need  not  be  considered  dangerous. 

After  reference  to  the  climate  I proceed  to  say  that,  “ my  principal  objection 
to  any  change  in  my  position  or  relations  is  based  on  a calm  conviction  that 
missionary  duty  calls  me  to  remain  where  I am.  I have  written  you  dark  and 
discouraging  things,  gilded  by  few  rays  of  hope,  because  truth  and  duty  compelled 
me  thus  to  write,  yet  1 have  ever  had,  I now  have,  the  strongest  conviction  that 
divine  Providence  brought  me  here,  has  kept  me  here,  and  still  would  keep  me 
here,  for  some  wise  and  holy  purpose  which  perhaps  none  of  us  fully  understand. 
You  do  not  indeed  propose  to  divorce  me  wholly  from  the  Mohammedans,  but 
to  put  me  into  another  sphere  where,  it  is  presumed,  you  hope  I may  be  more 
useful.  At  the  present  time  there  are  some  things,  pertaining  to  my  department, 
encouraging  at  Oroomiah.  The  brethren  there  have  established  a school  for 
Mus'uPmStn  youth,  which  now  consists  of  eight  or  ten  scholars,  and  Malik  Kasim 
Meerza,  our  Persian  patron,  is  governor  of  that  district.  But  will  you  sustain  a 
school  in  Oroomiah  in  which  Christianity  cannot  be  formally  taught,  when  my  pro- 
posal for  Tebreez  has  been  rejected  ? I hope  however,  the  Prudential  Committee 
will  be  induced  to  reconsider  and  modify  that  decision.  Yet  would  not  a school 
at  Tebreez,  if  divine  Providence  shall  open  a door  for  such  a work  here,be  as  use- 
ful and  influential  as  one  at  Oroomiah  ? and  if  I have  any  intercourse  at  all  with 
the  Musulmans,  would  it  not  be  as  advantageous  here,  as  it  would  be  there  ? 

“ Allow  me  now  to  present  you  two  or  three  extracts  from  a letter,  I recently 


35 


received  from  Mr.  Perkins  bearing  date  of  the  3d  ult.  I must  premise  that  the 
letter  is  in  reply  to  one  I wrote  him  on  the  subject  of  his  article  in  the  last  Au- 
gust Herald,  which  letter,  as  I told  you  a few  days  ago,  is  satisfactory  to  me, 
and  I may  add  has  endeared  him  more  than  ever  to  me  as  a Christian  brother. 

‘ “ For  a year  or  two  previous,  you  know  our  Board  had  been  exceedingly  em- 
barrassed,*for  want  of  funds,  and  you  had  sometimes  suggested  the  query,  wheth- 
er in  that  pressure,  they  might  not  abandon  some  of  their  missions — and  as  your 
field  was  a hard  one,  that  might  not  be  given  up.  And  it  had  struck  us  all,  as 
a possible  thing,  that  such  would  be  the  case  in  the  existing  embarrassments  of 
the  Board.  Our  attachment  to  you  as  a missionary  brother,  as  well  as  our  views 
of  the  importance  of  your  mission  in  its  bearings  on  our  work,  no  less  than  on 
the  Mohammedans,  made  us  all  very  unwilling  that  the  Board  should  give  up 
your  field.  And  it  was  this  feeling,  quickened  by  my  very  strong  apprehensions 
of  trouble  from  the  Catholics,  (more  especially  the  latter,)  that  influenced  me 
in  writing  those  paragraphs.  And  my  exhortations  were  intended  to  bear  on 
the  Board,  for  what  I apprehended  as  a want  of  interest  in  your  field  ; but  by 
no  means  to  reflect  in  any  shape  on  you.  My  apprehensions  of  the  Board’s 
want  of  interest  in  your  mission  arose  from  the  indifference  which  they  had 
seemed  to  manifest,  in  relation  to  our  doing  anything  for  the  Mohammedans — 
and  from  this  only.  * * * 

‘ “ While  you  have  not  yet  begun  anything  in  the  line  ofschools,  you  must  not 
suppose  that  I regard  you  as  standing  still — any  more  than  ‘ standing  in  the 
way.’  The  fact  is,  I believe  that  you  are  doing  as  much,  at  this  hour,  to  ad. 
vance  the  missionary  cause  in  Persia,  as  any  American  in  the  country,  and  I be- 
lieve that  any  one  of  us  at  Oroomiah  might  better  leave  the  country,  that  is,  with 
less  detriment  to  Zion,  than  you  could.  Thus  important  do  I regard  what  you 
are  now  Soing.  You  are  our  Ambassador,  that  is,  of  American  missionaries  in 
Persia,  to  say  nothing  of  your  extensive  general  influence,  and,  as  I said  in  a 
late  letter  to  Mr.  Anderson,  you  have,  by  the  divine  blessing,  been  able  to  reach 
the  throne  for  us,  through  Malik  Kasim  Meerza,  with  an  efficiency  and  eflect 
hardly  less  than  we  could  expect  from  an  official  Ambassador.  You  are  doing 
good  work  as  you  are — yes,  and  great  work.  I have  supposed,  however,  that  it 
would  hardly  be  practicable  for  you  to  remain  always  in  statu  quo,  that  is,  to 
stand  as  well  as  you  now  do,  with  Persian  rulers,  without  opening  a school,  or 
something  of  that  sort,  which  they  understand  to  be  your  object, — and  that  you 
would  find  it  greatly  for  your  comfort,  and  the  comfort  of  dear  Mrs.  M.  to  have 
a missionary  companion.  I have  not  supposed  that  more  than  that  was  called 
for,  at  present,  for  the  Mohammedans,  or  would  be  attempted.  But  to  bring 
our  Board  to  do  even  that,  I felt  constrained  to  write  as  I did,  not  intending 
however,  to  colour  the  case  at  all,  but  to  present  its  urgency  by  an  array  of 
facts.  • * * 

‘ “ Mr.  Jones*  only  recollects,  in  relation  to  your  mission,  that  Mr.  Anderson 

**  The  Rev.  Willard  Jones,  who  joined  the  Nestorian  mission  in  the  autumn  of  1839. 


36 


remarked,  not  long  before  he  (Br.  Jones)  embarked,  that  ‘ the  Committee  were 
anxious  to  obtain  a good  associate  for  Mr.  Merrick,’ — and  that  Prof.  Stuart 
once  remarked  at  Andover,  that  ‘ poor  Merrick  was  still  toiling  alone,  among 
those  hard,  infidel  Musulmans.’  You  will  pardon  this  particularity,  as  I am  en- 
tering into  it  for  your  satisfaction.  This  is  the  sww  totum  of  what  Br.  Jones, 
who  seems  to  have  seen  considerable  of  the  Secretaries,  recollects  having  heard 
jn  relation  to  your  mission.  And  it  has  occurred  to  me,  that  the  Board  may, 
the  Committee  have  been  inclined  to  uNtie  your  hands,  in  relation  to  a school, 
before  publishing  the  August  Herald,  as  they  were  wishing  to  procure  for  you 
an  associate  when  Br.  J.  left,  though  for  this  guess,  I have  only  the  data  given 
above. 

‘ “ I ought  to  have  said  when  speaking  of  your  position  at  Tebreez,  that  it  is 
often  a matter  of  mutual  congratulation  with  us,  here,  and  of  thanksgiving  to 
God,  that  we  have  a missionary  brother  at  Tebreez,  who  is  so  happily  calcula- 
ted, in  every  respect,  to  move  successfully  in  that  sphere.  May  the  Lord  long 
spare  you  to  fill  it.  I speak  not  the  language  of  adulation,  but  sober  verity.  You 
have  done  a great  deal  for  us  all,  and  we  hope  and  pray  and  expect  that  you 
will  be  spared  to  us  and  to  Zion,  to  do  a great  deal  more.  * * * 

‘ “ I did  feel  exceedingly  distressed  in  view  ofthe  movements  of  the  Papists,  and 
felt  that  your  mission  must  under  God,  be  our  bulwark  against  them  ; and  the 
idea  that  your  post  might  be  abandoned  was  distressing  to  me  beyond  concep- 
tion. And  with  just  those  feelings  and  no  others,  did  I write  those  para- 
graphs. * * * 

‘ “ By  securing  influence,  in  high  places,  may  they  [Catholics]  not  do  a great 
deal  to  counteract  the  influence  of  Protestant  missionaries,  or  even  go  so  far  as 
to  get  us  sent  out  of  the  country,  particularly  us,  who  must  come  in  direct  colli- 
sion with  their  object,  when  they  come  here  to  decoy  the  Nestoriansl  Your 
mission,  I regard  as  our  greatest  earthly  security,  and  to  save  this  from  interrup- 
tion, I repeat,  was  my  object  in  writing  as  I did,  in  the  paragraphs  published 
in  the  Herald.  1 did  not  think  it  sufficient  to  say  in  general,  “ your  mission 
to  the  Mohammedans  must  be  sustained,”  without  giving  my  reasons,  which 
were,  that  something  might  be  done  for  the  Mohammedans,  and  your  mission 
was  especially  called  for,  in  view  of  the  influx  of  Papal  influence.  As  the  Board 
had  never  intimated  any  idea  of  suspending  your  mission,  I could  not,  of  course, 
distinctly  announce  my  wish  to  counteract  such  a measure,  and  therefore  said 
nothing  about  it,  wishing  to  secure  the  object  without  making  the  show.”  ’ 

“ The  commendation  contained  in  the  above  extracts,  puts  me  quite  to  the 
blush.  I confess  I little  deserve  it,  and  could  only  have  been  induced  to  copy 
such  remarks  by  my  deep  sense  of  the  importance  of  my  being  sustained  still 
longer  in  my  present  position. 

“ I have  the  highest  respect  for  the  prudence  and  wisdom  of  the  Prudential 
Committee,  but  it  is  impossible  they  should  be  as  competent  to  judge  on  some 
points  as  missionaries  themselves.  There  never  has  been  a time  during  my 


31 


residence  in  Persia,  when  more  reasons  existed  for  my  being  sustained  in  my 
present  position  than  for  the  last  year  or  half  year.  Whether  my  agency  here 
is  of  any  value  to  the  mission  at  Oroomiah  they  must  judge,  but  aside  from  that, 
till  it  is  evident  the  Catholics  will  leave  me  nothing  to  do  in  the  line  of  educa- 
tion, or  any  other  department,  in  my  opinion,  it  would  be  most  unwise  for  me  to 
abandon  this  post,  if  I can  by  any  possibility  be  sustained. 

“ Before  taking  leave  of  the  subject  of  a school  here,  allow  me  to  give  you  an 
extract  from  a letter  I received  this  morning  from  our  excellent  friend,  J.  P. 

I Riach  Esq.  dated  at  Erzroom,  the  24th  ultimo.  He  says,  “ you  know  that  my 
! ideas  about  the  prospects  oinoio  doing  good  to  the  Persians,  in  a religious  view, 

I entirely  coincide  with  yours  ; — you  know  that  I gave  it  as  my  opinion  that 
I the  Catholics  should  (as  they  had  first  really  occupied  the  field  of  Tebreez  with  a 
I school,)  be  allowed  to  take  it  without  opposition  from  you,  and  I did  so  from  a 
conviction  that  their  attempt  would  be  a failure,  and  this  I still  expect  it  to  be.^ 
t You  know  that  I have  almost  as  much  apprehension  of  the  present  race  of 
I Persians  becoming  Chinese,  as  Catholics,  and  I wish  I could  say  that  I thought 
I there  was  any  present  prospect  of  a single  Musulrnan  entertaining  for  an  instant 
I the  idea  of  investigating  the  truth  of  our  Religion  with  the  view  of  comparing  it 
with  his  own. 

i‘  “ I apprehend  that  these  ideas  which  have  been  formed  on  some  knowledge 
and  study  of  the  Persians,  do  not  differ  much  from  the  best  informed  of  my 
ii  countrymen  who  have  recently  lived  in  Persia,  and  possibly  they  may  not  differ 
1 very  essentially  from  your  own,  and  as  you  have  doubtless  laid  your  ideas  on  the 
I subject  before  the  Board,  it  would  not  seem  necessary  that  I should  communi- 
1 cate  mine  to  it. 

! ‘ “ Notwithstanding  my  ideas  on  the  subject  of  the  Persians,  still  I would  like 

I to  see  an  effort  made  by  Protestants,  (but  I would  rather  have  Catholics  do  it 
than  not  do  it  at  all,)  to  give  the  Persians  a better  system  of  education  than  is 
('  likely  to  rise  spontaneously  among  them,  but  as  Christianity  cannot  be  attempt- 
; ed  to  be  taught  directly  among  them  now,  (and  I see  no  prospect  of  such  an 
I attempt  being  made  without  the  greatest  hazard  for  a long  course  of  years,)  I 
I think  that  the  money  requisite  for  the  trial  of  seeing  whether  they  would  accept 
i European  instruction  would  be  well  expended.”  ’ 

“ Although  I have]  often  feared  that  you  would  grow  discouraged  at  my  ill 
■ success,  and  propose  to  abandon  this  field,  yet  I was  not  prepared  for  so  summa- 
ry a proceeding.  * * * You  say  ‘ the  proposal  is  not  made  hastily  by  the 

I Committee,  but  is  the  result  of  a good  deal  of  reflection.’  But  did  their  reflec- 
I tion  lead  them  to  consult  parties  most  deeply  concerned  in  the  arrangement 
' they  have  decided  shall  take  place?  If  the  question  has  been  so  long  before 
them,  why  was  it  not  intimated  to  me,  or  to  the  brethren  at  Oroomiah  ? Accord- 
ing to  an  extract  from  Mr.  Perkins’  letter,  Mr.  Jones  certainly  received  no  im- 
' pression  that  you  were  intending  to  abandon  this  post.  I have  been  several 
years  in  the  service  of  the  Board,  but  I am  not  sure  that  I yet  understand  all  their 


* This  e.xpectation  was  duly  realized. 


38 


Rules  in  reference  to  foreign  missionaries.  Are  the  Prudential  Committee  em- 
powered to  send  a missionary  from  one  station  to  another  without  consulting 
either  him  or  those  to  whom  he  is  sent?  I do  not  question  the  motives  of  the 
Committee  in  my  own  present  case.  I thank  them  sincerely  for  what  I believe 
to  have  been,  on  their  part,  a kind  regard  for  me;  but  the  arbitrary  principle  to 
which  I have.referred,  is,  in  my  view,  inconsistent  with  the  Gospel  chartered 
rights  of  a minister  of  Jesus  Christ. 

“ My  heart  is  full,  but  I have  not  time  to  indite  its  swelling  emotions.  My  dear 
brother,  you  have  not  forgotten  that  I came  to  this  land  a missionary  peculiarly 
dedicated  to  the  Persians.  The  Lord  helping  me  I will  go  wherever  He  leads, 
and  do  whatever  He  ordains.  But  I do  not  feel  that  He  is  leading  me  into 
another  field.  If  I am  blind  to  my  duty,  may  He  mercifully  enlighten  my  eyes 
to  walk  in  the  right  way.  I am  sensible  that  I am  very,  very  liable  to  err. 
But  I must  decide  according  to  the  light  I have,  and  my  own  convictions  of  du- 
ty. I respectfully  ask  then,  that  the  Prudential  Committee  would  reconsider 
the  resolution  which  abolishes  the  mission  in  which  I am  engaged.  I beseech 
them  to  allow  me  to  remain  in  my  present  position,  at  least  two  or  three 
years  longer,  unless  some  special  providence  renders  it  obviously  my  duty  to 
leave  sooner.  If  within  such  a period  as  I have  named,  nothing  occurs  to  in- 
duce a farther  trial  here,  and  my  frail  life  is  still  spared,  I will  then  follow  wher- 
ever Providence  guides,  whether  it  be  where  I may  still  look  on  the  field  of  my 
choice,  or  where  I shall  remember  it  only  as  the  grave  of  my  long  cherished 
missionary  hopes.  O Lord,  thy  blessed  will  be  done  ; but  if  it  please  thee,  spare 
me  the  sorrow  which  seems  to  lie  in  wait  in  my  future  course,  and  cut  not  short 
my  missionary  life. 

“ I shall  speedily  communicate  with  the  dear  brethren  at  Oroomiah  on  the 
important  subject  you  have  laid  before  us.  But  as  I feel  it  my  duty  noio  to  de- 
cline the  arrangement  you  have  made,  I shall  not  remove  to  Oroomiah  till  I am 
better  satisfied  divine  Providence  calls  me  to  abandon  my  present  position.” 

On  conferring  with  my  excellent  missionary  friend,  the  Rev.  William  Glen, 
then  translating  the  Old  Testament  into  Persian  at  Tebreez,  he  kindly  put  his 
sentiments  on  paper  and  allowed  me  to  forward  them  to  Dr.  Anderson.  The 
following  extracts  will  show  how  Dr.  Glen  viewed  the  subject  of  my  removal  to 
Oroomiah.  He  remarks,  “ The  notice  you  gave  me  yesterday  afternoon,  of  the 
intended  relinquishment  of  the  Mohammedan  department  of  the  American 
Mission  to  Persia,  has  been  uppermost  in  my  mind  ever  since.  Such  was 
the  hold  which  the  unexpected  and  unwelcome  intelligence  had  taken  of 
my  heart  that  nothing  could  banish  it.  * * And  I need  scarcely  add  that 
the  more  closely  I examined  the  subject,  in  all  its  bearings,  the  stronger  was 
my  conviction  that,  whether  viewed  in  its  relation  to  God  or  man  to  your- 
self as  an  individual  or  the  mission  with  which  you  are  connected,  to  the 
Church  as  God’s  peculiar  treasure  on  earth,  or  to  the  Son  of  God  now  in  heav- 
en who  purchased  the  Church  with  his  own  blood,  it  was  your  duty  to  beg  the 
Board  of  Commissioners,  on  your  bended  knees,  as  it  were,  to  let  the  mission 


39 


figtree,  lately  planted  in  Tebreez,  stand,  say  another  year,  on  the  ground  it  now 
occupies,  lest  its  roots  should  lose  their  vitality  by  its  removal.  * * * 

‘ “ You  have  just  received  a Firman  from  the  Sh&h-in-Shah,*  authorizing  you 
to  open  an  academy  in  'J'ebreez,  for  instructing  the  natives  in  the  language  and 
literature  of  England  and  the  United  States  of  America,  and  it  would  be  awk- 
ward in  the  extreme,  not  to  say  unmannerly , to  quit  your  position,  without  mak- 
ing an  attempt,  at  least,  to  implement  (or  fulfill)  the  engagements  virtually  made 
and  the  pledge  virtually  given  in  your  application  for  said  Firman.  What  at- 
tention could  you  expect  should  be  paid  to  your  next  petition,  whatever  it  might 
, be,  after  disappointing  His  Majesty  and  his  Uncle,  now  Governor  of  Oroomiah, 
on  a subject  to  which  they  are  understood  to  attach  much  importance,  namely, 
the  introduction  of  the  literature  of  Christendom  into  their  own  country. 

‘ “ By  neglecting  or  declining  to  improve  the  present  opening,  the  Board  may 
have  occasion  to  regret  forever,  the  loss  of  a position  which  they  may  noic  oc- 
cupy, by  the  highest  authority  in  the  kingdom,  if  they  choose — a position 
too,  which,  though  avowedly  not  a missionary  one,  in  the  evangelical  sense  of 
the  term,  might,  under  God,  eventually  afford  facilities  of  no  small  importance 
for  the  future  evangelization  of  Persia,  and  the  adjacent  territories. 

‘ “ So  far  as  the  experience  of  more  than  twenty  years  enables  me  to  form  an 
opinion  of  the  character  of  the  Mohammedans,  they  may,  in  particular  positions 
be  led,  but  will,  on  no  account,  submit  to  be  driven,  by  a missionary.  I could 
' fill  sheets  — I might  say  volumes,  with  illustrations  of  the  happy  influence  of 
' unsuspected  intercourse  with  them,  in  removing  prejudice,  enlightening  the  un- 
i;  derstanding,  and,  in  a few  instances,  converting  the  heart,  in  cases  where  there 
i was  every  reason  to  conclude,  that  the  professional  address  of  an  evangelist 
would  have  been  rejected  with  indignation.  And  what  occupation  could  furnish 
I greater  facilities,  or  present  a greater  variety  of  7insuspected  opportunities  in 
such  a labor  of  love  than  that  of  a superintendent  of  a literary  seminary,  whose 
highest  ambition  was  to  be  a winner  of  souls  ? There  is  great  force  in  such 
I common  sayings  as,  ‘ strike  the  iron  when  it  is  hot ‘ make  hay  while  the  sun 

i shines but  far  greater  in  that  of  our  Lord,  ‘ Work  while  it  is  day,  for  the  night 
cometh,  wherein  no  man  can  work.’ 

‘ “ Nearly  twenty  years  ago  an  arrangement  was  on  the  point  of  being  con- 
cluded, between  the  Scottish  Missionary  Society  and  the  Russian  Government, 
for  establishing  an  academy  in  the  Crimea,  for  instructing  the  Tktars  in  Euro- 
. pean  literature,  under  the  superintendence  of  one  or  more  of  the  Society’s  mis- 
sionaries, with  the  assurance  of  not  only  every  reasonable  facility,  but  of  con- 
siderable pecuniary  assistance  for  buildings,  etc.,  from  His  Imperial  Majesty. 
Had  a modification  of  the  stipulations,  suggested  by  the  missionaries,  in  1821, 
with  such  facilities  as  the  Russian  Government  was  then  disposed  to  afford, 
been  adopted  by  the  one,  and  sanctioned  by  the  other,  there  might,  this  day. 


King  of  Kings  — a title  of  the  Persian  sovereigns. 


40 


have  been  an  Institution  in  the  Crimea  similar  to  the  famous  Seminary  of  Dr. 
Duff  in  Calcutta,  and  hundreds  of  Tatars  trained  to  think  for  themselves,  and 
thus,  in  so  far,  prepared  to  embrace  Christianity,  who  are  now  the  dupes  of  their 
effendies  and  moollSs.  But  while  our  (perhaps  too)  wary  friends  in  Scotland 
were  doing  their  best  to  have  every  thing  pist  as  it  should  be,  the  favorable  mo- 
ment passed,  as  a bird  escapes  from  its  cage,  never  to  return.”  ’ 

Referring  to  his  translation  Dr.  Glen  remarks,  “ I often  felt  the  want  of  a 
confidential  friend  or  two,  whose  knowledge  of  Hebrew  and  Persian,  should 
qualify  them  to  give  a judicious  opinion,  and  whose  official  engagements  should 
leave  them  a few  leisure  hours,  at  which  I could  consult  them  occasionally,  on 
difficult  passages,  after  they  had  maturely  considered  them.  In  these  circum- 
stances, I naturally  looked  forward  to  the  day,  when  you  should  have  given  the 
finishing  touch  to  your  Extracts  from  the  Hyat-iil-Kuloob  (The  Life  of  Hearts!) 
and  transmitted  them  to  America,  that  T might  ask  your  assistance,  without  the 
consciousness  of  retarding  that  important  work.  I call  it  important  because  the 
reader  will  find  a fuller  account  of  the  floating,  popular  opinions  and  belief  of 
the  Mohammedans  respecting  their  favorite  Prophet  and  his  religion  in  it,  than, 
so  far  as  I know,  is  yet  to  be  found  in  any  other  book  in  the  English  language. 
******** 

‘ “ O for  an  hour’s  conversation  or  two  with  the  Board  of  Commissioners.  I 
would  tell  them,  that,  without  explaining  myself  explicitly  to  you,  till  your  own 
interim  work  was  finished,  I had  pleased  myself  with  the  hope,  that  in  the  course 
of  a few  months,  you  might,  with  their  permission,  have  it  in  your  power  to  de- 
vote a considerable  portion  of  your  time,  daily,  to  the  revision  of  my  manu- 
scripts, and  the  suggesting  of  improvements,  as  you  have  occasionally  done  al- 
ready. * * * I would  further  state  to  them,  that  at  my  time  of  life  (past 

sixty)  it  would  be  presumptuous  to  count  on  being  long  able  to  take  an  active 
share  in  itinerating  excursions  through  the  provinces  with  the  Bible  in  my  hand 
for  the  guidance  of  such  as  were  ready  to  perish  ; that  in  order  to  this,  a suc- 
cessor would  soon  be  required,  and  who  so  fit,  as  one,  who  after  taking  part  in 
finishing  the  work  in  the  study  and  the  printing  office,  was  still  in  the  prime  of 
life  and  qualified  by  his  knowledge  of  the  language  and  manners  of  the  country 
to  judge  when  to  be  silent  and  when  to  speak,  when  to  give  and  when  to  refrain 
from  giving  away  the  Bibles  under  his  care.”  ’ 

Having  communicated  with  the  brethren  at  Oroomiah  in  reference  to  the  in- 
structions I had  received  to  join  that  mission,  on  the  1 1th  of  February,  1840, 
they  addressed  to  me  the  following  kind  and  fraternal  letter  signed  by  them  all  : 

“ Our  mission  held  a special  meeting  yesterday  evening  for  the  purpose  of 
consultation  on  the  subject  of  the  resolution  of  the  E.xecutive  Committee  of  the 
A.  B.  C.  F.  M.  just  communicated  to  us  by  Dr.  Anderson,  and  so  much  of  your 
letter  to  Mr.  Perkins  as  relates  to  that  resolution.  In  our  consideration  of  this 
subject,  we  have  endeavored  to  keep  in  view  the  interests  of  the  cause  of  mis- 
sions, without  forgetting  those  of  a brother  for  whom  we  all  entertain  the  sin- 


41 


cerest  esteem  and  affection.  The  result  of  our  consultation  was  the  following 
preamble  and  resolution,  unanimously  adopted. 

‘ “ Whereas  the  members  of  this  mission,  both  individually  and  in  their  joint 
capacity,  have  from  time  to  time  represented  the  encouragements  to  labor  among 
the  Mohammedans  of  Persia  in  a manner  as  prominent  as  truth  and  the  circum- 
stances of  the  case  would  warrant,  and  on  one  or  more  occasions,  have  jointly 
urged  the  Committee  not  to  abandon  their  mission  to  the  Mohammedans,  both 
on  account  of  the  Musulmans,  and  of  its  importance  to  this  mission,  (Mr.  Mer- 
rick also  having  recommended  its  continuance,)  and  whereas,  in  the  face  of  all 
these  representations,  the  Committee  have  passed  a resolution  relinquishing  their 
mission  to  the  Mohammedans  and  connecting  Mr.  Merrick  with  the  Nestorian 
mission. 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  mission  that  no  further  representation 
either  from  them  or  from  Mr.  Merrick,  will  induce  the  Committee  to  rescind 
the  resolution  which  they  have  passed  on  this  subject.” 

“ The  opinion  expressed  in  this  resolution,  is  we  think  also  supported  by  the 
language  of  Dr.  Anderson,  who  states  that  this  arrangement  or  proposal  was  not 
hastily  made,  but  was  the  result  of  a good  deal  of  reflection  ; and  that  the  Com- 
mittee are  satisfied  that  it  is  not  wise  to  attempt  to  carry  on  the  Perso-Moham- 
medan  mission  longer,  and  that  it  is  highly  expedient  that  Mr.  Merrick  unite  his 
name  and  labors  with  this  mission. 

“ Before  we  adduce  any  farther  reasons  in  support  of  this  opinion,  and  in  favor 
of  your  removal  to  Oroomiah,  we  must  premise  that  had  the  Committee,  in  ac- 
cordance with  your  wishes,  decided  that  it  was  best  for  you  to  remain  and  labor 
at  Tebreez,  such  a decision  would  have  been  most  consonant  with  our  views 
and  wishes;  but  in  a case  admitting  of  doubt  and  difference  of  opinion,  we  are 
disposed  to  think  that  the  resolution.and  the  decided  opinion  of  the  Committee 
should  be  counted  among  the  indications  of  Providence,  which,  to  us,  seem  fa- 
vorable to  your  removal.  The  fact  that,  at  this  time,  a wider  door  of  access  to 
the  Mohammedans  has  just  been  opened  to  us  here,  and  the  coincidence  that  the 
I greatest  patron  of  European  science  in  Persia,  and  (of  the  Persians)  your  most 
decided  friend,  Malik  Kaisim  Meerz&,  is  now  to  be  the  governor  of  this  city  and 
province,  seem  to  us  to  have  weight  on  the  same  side  of  the  question. 

“We  have  already  expressed  to  you  our  sense  of  the  importance  to  our  mis- 
sion of  the  aid  which  you  are  enabled  to  render  us  ; but  we  trust  that  your  re- 
I moval  to  Oroomiah  would  not  deprive  us  of  that  aid  — at  least,  of  the  more  im- 
I portant  part  of  it.  Representations  to  the  high  Persian  authorities  might  most 
j conveniently  be  made  through  our  new  governor,  and  the  business  of  the  mis- 
sion (which,  even  during  your  residence  at  Tebreez,  has  so  often  made  it  ne- 
j cessary  for  one  of  our  number  to  make  the  journey  to  that  place,)  would  bring 
us  frequently  into  contact  with  the  Russian  or  English  authorities,  in  case  it 
I were  desirable  to  apply  to  them. 

I “ As  to  the  abandonment  of  your  field,  and  of  your  long  cherished  hopes,  it 

6 

I 


42 


would  be  more  nominal  than  real ; for  even  the  Committee,  while  they  do  not 
change  the  name  or  object  of  our  mission,  suggest,  that  if  you  were  here,  we 
might  be  able  to  pay  much  more  attention  to  the  Musulmans  than  formerly ; and 
here,  as  well  as  at  Tebreez,  you  might  w’atch  for  the  favorable  indications  which 
would  have  weight  with  the  Committee,  if  Providence  should  open  the  way  for 
more  direct  effort  among  the  Mohammedans. 

“We  are  also  of  the  opinion  that  if  you  choose  between  the  alternative  of 
entirely  abandoning  the  field,  and  of  uniting  in  the  way  proposed  with  this  mis- 
sion, the  effect  upon  the  Christian  public,  and  upon  the  prospects  of  your  own 
usefulness  and  happiness,  will  be  much  better,  if  you  come  here,  than  if  you 
adopt  the  other  course. 

“ Lastly,  as  regards  the  effects  of  this  climate  upon  your  health,  we  hope  that 
you  would  not  uniformly,  or  even  frequently,  suffer  as  you  did  last  spring.  * * 

“ If  consistently  with  your  own  views  of  duty,  you  shall  find  on  reflection, 
that  you  can  adopt  the  course  which  to  us  seems  best,  be  assured  that  you  will 
be  welcomed  with  the  greatest  cordiality  and  affection  by  every  member  of  our 
mission,  and  in  receiving  both  yourself  and  Mrs.  Merrick  into  the  bosom  of  our 
little  circle,  we  shall  feel  that  we  have  made  an  acquisition  which  will  very 
greatly  increase  both  the  pleasures  of  our  social  intercourse  and  the  prospects 
of  our  future  usefulness. 

“ In  case  you  join  us,  the  mission  will  of  course  pay  a fraternal  regard  to 
your  wishes  and  to  the  state  of  your  health  in  respect  to  both  the  kind  and  the 
amount  of  labor  which  you  should  undertake.  * » * 

“ That  the  God  of  all  grace  may  direct  you  in  the  decision  of  a question  in 
which  your  usefulness  and  happiness  are  so  deeply  involved,  is  the  earnest 
prayer  of 

Your  affectionate  brethren. 


A.  L.  Holladay, 

J.  Perkins, 

W.  Jones, 

A.  Grant, 

Wm.  R.  Stocking. 

The  brethren  at  Oroomiah,  with  an  interest  in  the  subject,  that  claims  my 
lasting  and  affectionate  gratitude,  on  the  14th  of  February,  three  days  after  the 
date  of  the  preceding  letter,  addressed  me  another  communication  in  which  af- 
ter stating  how  much  this  topic  had  occupied  them,  they  remark,  “ We  beg  to 
say  then,  dear  brother,  and  we  know  you  will  wish  us  to  be  candid  and  frank  to 
you,  that  we  have  no  idea  that  our  Committee  will  be  induced  to  continue  your 
mission,  and  that  they  are  and  will  be  prevented  from  doing  it  by  your  own 
communications  to  them,  and  your  opinions  and  feelings  (entirely  conscien- 
tious we  have  no  doubt,)  as  thus  developed  and  presented.  We  have  not  of 
late  seen  your  letters  to  the  Board,  but  are  pretty  well  acquainted  with  your 
views  which  we  suppose  must  have  given  character  to  your  communications. 
And  our  impressions  are  confirmed  by  those  portions  of  Dr.  Anderson’s  recent 


43 


letter  which  relates  to  your  case,  and  which  are  inserted  in  his  letter  to  you. 
Previous  to  this  letter,  we  had  never  received  the  remotest  intimation  from  him 
on  the  subject.  Our  own  communications  to  the  Board,  whether  joint  or  individ- 
ual, so  far  as  they  have  referred  to  the  subject,  which  has  been  often,  have  uni- 
formly and  decidedly  advocated  the  continuance  of  the  mission  to  the  Musul- 
mtlns.  And  it  is  in  the  face  of  a gradual  accumulation  of  such  views  and  feel- 
ings forwarded  from  us,  which  we  should  hardly  be  able  to  augment,  that  the 
Committee  have  pursued  the  course  they  have  adopted.  Your  communications, 
it  seems,  have  influenced  them  so  much  more  than  ours,  that  the  former  have 
not  only  wholly  counteracted  the  effect  of  the  latter,  but  have  led  to  the  aban- 
donment (we  believe  the  irrevocable  abandonment)  of  the  mission  to  the 
Mohammedans.  You  will  not  misunderstand  us;  we  say  this  with  the  warm- 
est fraternal  love  and  the  highest  esteem  for  you  as  a missionary  brother,  and 
with  the  fullest  assurance  that  your  missionary  views  have  be  e formed  and 
your  course  shaped  by  an  entirely  conscientious  regard  for  truth  and  duty. 
But  we  say  it  feeling  that  your  best  interests  and  those  of  the  cause  that  lies  so 
near  your  heart  demand  it  of  us, — and  moreover  that  we  further  state  our  be- 
lief that  the  only  alternative  to  acquiescence  to  their  arrangement  which  the 
Committee  will  offer  you,  will  be,  to  go  home.  And  that  alternative,  as  you 
prize  your  own  happiness  and  usefulness,  the  glory  of  God  and  the  advancement 
of  his  kingdom  in  this  land  and  throughout  the  world,  we  tenderly  advise  you  to 
be  very  slow  to  adopt.  “ Faithful  are  the  wounds  of  a friend.”  This  truth  we 
are  sure  you  would  be  one  of  the  last  not  to  understand  and  appreciate.  • * » 
We  can  only  invite  you,  with  our  whole  hearts,  to  share  with  us,  in  all  the  inte- 
rest with  which  the  Nestorian  harvest  is  clothed,  and  of  still  being  the  special 
and  principal  watchman,  sower  and  reaper  of  the  Mohammedan  field.” 

A few  things  in  the  above  communications  require  a passing  comment.  It 
appears  that  the  tone  of  my  letters  to  Dr.  Anderson  was  not  considered  at 
Oroomiah  as  sufficiently  encouraging,  though  dictated  by  a conscientious  aim 
at  plain  facts  and  simple  truth.  On  this  point  I need  only  repeat  that  a diligent 
and  prayerful  survey  of  my  field,  required  in  my  view  that  I should  state  the  ob- 
stacles to  the  Gospel  fully  and  fairly,  while  at  the  same  time  I strongly  recom- 
mended perseverance  both  by  precept  and  example.  If  others  could  speak  more 
glowingly  of  their  own  fields,  still  I was  responsible  for  a faithful  discharge  of 
my  own  duty.  Secondly,  although  my  missionary  sentiments  were  so  well 
known  by  the  brethren  at  Oroomiah,  yet  so  far  from  wishing  to  decline  my  so- 
ciety, they  one  and  all  proffer  me  and  mine  the  most  cordial  welcome.  And  I 
have  the  best  reason  to  believe  that  this  mutual  good  will  and  affectionate  confi- 
dence between  us,  was  long  continued  after  my  final  removal  to  Oroomiah.  In 
the  third  place,  they  distinctly  understood  that  the  executive  allowed  me  still  to 
labor  much  if  not  chiefly  for  the  Persians,  and  they  expressly  engage  to  favor 
my  wishes  in  this  respect.  Many  thanks  to  them  for  all  this  kindness,  and  may 
Jesus  bless  them  evermore.  Fourthly,  no  intimation  of  the  design  of  the  execu- 


44 


live  was  given  tliem  previous  to  the  instructions  for  my  joining  that  mission. 
It  thus  appears  distinctly  from  this  instance,  as  well  as  from  my  proposed  remov* 
al  to  Syria,  that  the  executive  assume  and  excercise  full  power  to  make  any 
change  in  the  missions  of  the  Board,  which  they  may  think  proper,  irrespective 
of  the  missionaries  concerned  in  the  case,  which  prerogative,  in  principle,  is 
identical  with  the  assumptions  of  Papal  and  Jesuitical  authority.  And  I respect- 
fully ask  if  such  a principle  is  a safe  and  proper  constituent  of  a Protestant  or- 
ganization, especially  when  in  practical  fact  there  is  no  revisory  court  of  appeal. 

In  a communication  dated  the  10th  of  the  same  February,  Mr.  Perkins  re- 
ferring to  the  fact  of  my  having  copied  from  him  in  my  letter  to  Dr.  Anderson 
says,  “ You  were  quite  justified  in  using  extracts  from  my  letter,  and  I am 
happy  and  thankful  that  I am  thus  enabled  to  bear  testimony  to  our  patrons  of 
the  high  estimation  in  which  you  and  your  influence  are  justly  held  by  us. 
But,  my  dear  brother,  further  than  that  it  will  be  of  no  avail.  The  die  is  cast. 
The  Mohammedan  mission  is  dead.  I would  not  believe  it,  could  I help  it,  nor 
did  I at  first,  but  the  brethren  all  pronounced  it  so,  which  made  me  look  about  for 
symptoms  of  resuscitation,  until  I am  constrained  to  despair  of  finding  any. 
What  is  the  state  of  the  case  so  far  as  we  are  concerned  t why,  we  have  been 
urging  the  Board  to  sustain  your  mission,  by  all  the  encouragements  which  we 
could  conscientiously  hold  out  for  laboring  for  the  Mohammedans,  and  have 
once  at  least,  joirai/y  expressed  our  earnest  desire  that  the  mission  to  the  Musul- 
m^ns  might  not  be  abandoned,  alike  as  we  had  regard  for  the  benefit  of  that 
class,  and  for  the  welfare  of  our  mission ; and  in  the  face  of  all  these  communica- 
tions from  us,  the  Committee  have  relinquished  your  mission  with  no  previous 
notice  of  it  to  us  or  to  you.  And  what  more  could  you  say  than  you  must  have 
previously  written  to  convince  the  Committee  of  your  desire  to  remain  a mis- 
sionary to  the  Mohammedans?  Is  there  then  any  probability,  judging  from 
what  we  know  of  the  great  reluctance  of  the  Committee  to  change  the  ground 
they  have  once  taken  on  any  subject,  to  expect  a rescinding  of  the  measures 
they  have  adopted  in  relation  to  ypur  labors  and  prospects?  * * * 

“ While  I should,  as  you  know,  most  heartily  rejoice  to  see  you  remain  at 
Tebreez  as  a missionary  to  the  Mohammedans,  and  to  see  the  Board  furnish  you 
ample  means  and  facilities  for  efficient  labors,  being  compelled  to  give  up  this, 
the  least,  to  us,  unpleasant  alternative  is  the  one  which  the  Board  have  given 
you — viz.  to  join  us.  I wish  we  could  hold  out  to  you  more  inducements  to 
come  here  than  exist.  You  understand  the  case  pretty  well.  I need  not  say  that 
you  would  meet  open  and  cordial  hearts  here,  as  much  so  as  you  could  desire 
anywhere.  Nor  need  you  ever  wish  a higher  place  in  the  estimation  as  well  as 
the  affections  of  missionary  associates  than  you  would  find  in  ours.  And  I may 
say  the  same  of  dear  Mrs.  Merrick.  As  the  mission  will  write  you,  I will  not 
anticipate  them  by  enlarging.  I will  only  say  that  you  must  not  think  of  leav- 
ing Persia  in  any  ca.se.  Let  the  Persians,  the  people  of  your  adoption,  even  if 


45 


it  be  under  a Nestorian  banner,  have  the  benefit  of  your  influence,  your  labors 
and  your  prayers.” 

And  in  the  same  letter  under  date  of  February  11th,  after  saying  that  the 
brethren  had  again  conferred  on  the  subject  of  my  proposed  removal,  Mr.  Per- 
kins remarks,  “ they  highly  value  your  influence  and  services  anywhere,  but 
suppose  they  may  be  about  as  much  at  Oroomiah  as  at  Tebreez.  1 have  ''not 
thought  so.  We  are  however,  able  to  compromise  this  point  and  come  upon 
common  ground,  from  what  seems  to  us  all  the  almost  certainty  that  the  Com- 
mittee will  not,  in  view  of  any  representations  modify  the  arrangement  they  have 
made.  * * * The  only  alternatives  in  the  case,  as  it  now  seems  to  me,  are, 

for  you  to  accede  to  the  proposal  of  the  Board,  or  resign  your  commission. 
The  latter  I know  you  would  not  wish  to  do.  Neither  your  usefulness  or  hap- 
piness would  be  likely  to  be  promoted  by  it.  Should  you  go  home,  your  heart 
I and  thoughts  would  still  be  in  Persia,  nor  would  you  have  the  prospect  of  doing 
as  much  for  the  Redeemer,  in  any  sphere  in  America  as  you  may  reasonably 
hope  to  accomplish  in  this  country.  No  doubt  you  would  sigh  far  more  ardent- 
ly to  be  here,  than  you  or  I ever  did,  during  the  years  of  our  missionary  antici- 
|l  pations  in  college  and  the  seminary.” 

My  reply  to  the  joint  letters  of  the  Nestorian  mission  was  dated  ‘ 21  February 
' 1840,’  and  a copy  of  it  forwarded  to  Dr.  Anderson.  In  this  letter  I candidly 
a expressed  my  views  on  the  action  of  the  executive  which  seemed  to  me  unrea- 
t sonable  and  arbitrary,  while  at  the  same  time  I expressed  my  respectful  esteem 
'■  for  them  in  concluding  the  letter,  as  follows ; “ The  frankness  with  which  I 
i have  spoken  of  some  acts  of  the  Prudential  Committee,  requires  that  I repeat 
I the  assurance  of  my  very  high  esteem  and  respect  for  that  body.  Some  of  you 
may  recollect  the  cordial  approbation  with  which  I have  alluded  to  them  in  con- 
versation, and  few  things  would  be  more  painful  to  me  than  a disruption  of  the 
1 bond  which  has  for  some  years  connected  us.  Their  candor,  their  liberality, 
i their  heart-felt  interest  in  every  branch  of  the  missionary  work,  and  in  the  gen- 
eral prosperity  of  the  Redeemer’s  kingdom,  is  surely  a guaranty  that  they  will 
insist  on  no  measure,  merely  because  they  have  passed  a resolution  on  the  sub- 
ject. They  doubtless  aim  at  the  greatest  good  by  the  best  means,  and  are  wil- 
ling, when  convinced  of  its  importance,  to  retrace  a step, — a humiliation  to 
which  missionaries  themselves  are  often  subject  in  their  conscientious  efforts  to 
advance  the  cause  of  truth.  But  even  if  my  own  acts  are  turned  against  my 
hopes,  I feel  that  I shall  still  have  the  support  of  an  honest  conscience,  and 
should  I be  driven  from  my  adopted  land,  it  would  be  with  the  reflection  that  I 
had  had  it  in  my  heart  to  do  her  good.  Regrets  do  not  grow  in  the  path  of 
duty, 

“ And  now,  my  dear  brethren,  I have  only  to  beseech  you  to  receive  this  letter 
with  your  accustomed  forbearance,  candor  and  charity,  and  to  believe  that  there 
is  not  a circle  on  earth  in  which  I have  more  Christian  confidence  than  in  your- 
selves, or  towards  which  my  heart  flows  with  a fuller  swell  of  interest  and  love. 


46 


I need  only  to  be  convinced,  which  I am  not,  that  your  field  is  the  sphere  of  my 
duty,  to  make  me  enter  it  with  alacrity  and  delight.  * * May  we  live  and 

die  at  the  post  of  duty,  and  like  our  blessed  Saviour  and  Master,  glorify  God  on 
the  earth,  and  finish  the  work  He  giveth  us  to  do.” 

Although  my  apprehensions  had  been  not  a little  quickened  by  the  action  of 
the  executive,  so  much  so  indeed  as  to  fear  that  my  hesitating  to  remove  to 
Oroomiah,  and  my  urgent  though  respectful  request  to  be  allowed  longer  trial  at 
Tebreez,  might  furnish  them  occasion  to  recall  me  without  farther  delay,  yet  I 
did  not  then  so  fully  understand  their  assumed  prerogatives,  as  I have  since  had 
painful  reason  to  do.  I had  not  learned  how  sensitively  their  power  was  guard- 
ed, and  how  unwilling  they  were  to  seem  to  yield  any  purpose  concerning  a mis- 
sionary, whatever  reasons  might  be  urged  for  a modification  of  their  plans. 
Accordingly  I was  not  altogether  prepared  for  the  elaborate  and  censorious  let- 
ter which  Dr.  Anderson,  in  reply  to  my  remonstrance,  addressed  me,  ‘July  3, 
1840.’  The  drift  of  this  long  communication  was  intended  to  show  that  I was 
mainly  responsible  for  the  Persian  mission,  which  my  accounts  had  overshadowed 
and  finally  led  the  Committee  to  relinquish  ; still,  he  declared  that  the  resolution 
relative  to  my  removal  to  Oroomiah,  “ was  not  a peremptory  instruction,  and  it 
was  not  made  such,  because  the  Committee  were  aware  that  they  had  not  seen 
ail  around  the  subject  so  as  to  feel  assured  that  the  replies  to  their  letters  might 
not  render  it  expedient  to  make  a somewhat  longer  experiment  at  Tebreez.  The 
proposal  was  not  to  remove  you  from  Persia,  nor  from  the  Persian  Mohamme- 
dans. It  would  not  change  your  field,  nor  necessarily  change  the  nature  of  your 
labors  ; and  it  would  give  you  associates  which  you  needed,  and  add,  as  we  pre- 
sumed, materially  to  the  amount  of  your  usefulness.”  Let  it  be  remembered 
that  Dr.  Anderson  here  declares  that  “ the  proposal  was  not  to  remove  me  from 
Persia,  nor  from  the  Persian  Mohammedans  ; not  to  change  my  field,  nor  neces- 
sarily to  change  the  nature  of  my  labors;”  that  is,  it  was  to  be  understood  that 
on  joining  the  Nestorian  mission  I might  still  labor  for  the  Persians  as  far  as  my 
inclination  and  circumstances  permitted. 

Dr.  Anderson  then  proceeds  to  say,  “ You  seem  to  suppose  it  was  want  of 
funds  which  led  to  this  proposal,  and  you  have  something  to  say,  which  I should 
greatly  prefer  to  have  had  omitted,  about  ‘ establishing  stations  and  enlarging 
operations  beyond  ability  to  sustain  them.’  But  the  want  of  funds,  experienced 
or  apprehended,  had  nothing  at  all  to  do  with  the  proposal.  We  can  get  funds 
for  our  present  extended  system,  as  easily  as  we  could  for  one  less  extended,  and 
easier  taking  one  year  with  another,  as  we  have  a more  extended  and  stronger 
hold  on  the  public  mind.” 

It  will  be  observed  that  the  principle  of  interpreting  expressions  and  docu- 
ments in  a peculiar  sense  to  suit  occasions,  is  introduced  in  the  foregoing  ex- 
tracts, and  though  the  consistency  and  authority  of  the  executive  may  by  this 
means  seem  protected,  yet  the  same  rule  of  interpretation  reversely  applied  to 
others,  as  I have  had  painful  experience,  may  “ make  a man  an  offender  for  a 


47 


word.”  While  I say  nothing  of  the  motives  inducing  such  a course,  I must  con- 
fess that  I have  been  much  grieved  to  meet  in  some  I had  long  and  highly  re- 
spected, what  savored  strongly  of  a sophistical  turn  and  managing  tact,  where 
honest  argument  alone  was  needed. 

In  the  same  letter,  in  reference  to  the  subject  of  the  rights  of  missionaries. 
Dr.  Anderson  says,  “ The  basis  of  connection  and  cooperation  between  mission- 
aries and  their  directors,  is  Christian  confidence.  With  this  remark  I am  ready 
to  make  some  more  specific  reply  to  your  inquiry.  What  are  the  powers  of  the 
Committee  ? They  have  power  to  divide  the  funds  placed  at  their  disposal 
among  the  missions,  according  to  their  own  views  of  equity.  They  have  power 
to  direct  to  the  discontinuance  of  a mission,  or  of  a station  in  a mission,  when- 
ever they  believe  that  such  a mission  or  station  ought  no  longer  to  be  continued. 
They  have  power  to  divide  a mission  into  two,  or  to  modify  its  nature,  or  its 
bye-laws.  They  have  power  to  instruct  any  missionary,  or  secretary,  or  treas- 
urer, or  agent  of  the  Board  to  go  here,  or  there,  in  the  prosecution  of  his  appro- 
priate official  duties  ; only,  if  he  shall  feel  himself  aggrieved  in  this  matter,  he 
has  a right  to  appeal  to  the  Board,  and  if  he  and  they  cannot  agree  in  opinion, 
or  agree  to  differ,  there  must  of  course  be  a separation.  How  a minister  of  the 
Gospel,  who  goes  on  a mission,  has  ‘ Gospel  chartered  rights’  inconsistent  with 
these  powers,  I cannot  see.  He  has  rights,  indeed,  which  protect  him  against 
the  abuse  of  these  powers.  Your  peremptory  recall  from  Persia,  in  your  pres- 
ent circumstances,  without  previously  writing  you  on  the  subject,  would  be  such 
a step  as  I believe  the  Committee  have  never  yet  taken  in  respect  to  a mission- 
ary ; and  would  no  doubt  be  an  abuse  of  power ; but  your  consent  to  the  relin- 
quishment of  the  mission,  after  due  notice  had  been  given,  would  not  be  neces- 
sary to  render  the  step  a proper  one  on  the  part  of  the  Committee.  The  acts 
of  the  Committee  do  not  need  the  consent  of  their  missionaries  to  be  binding  in 
obligation  upon  them,  nor  of  the  secretaries  to  be  binding  in  obligation  upon  us. 
When  they  abuse  their  power  we  will  see  if  there  is  not  a remedy,  as  there  cer- 
tainly is.  May  that  day  be  distant.” 

In  regard  to  the  secretaries  being  in  danger  of  a domineering  influence  from 
the  Committee,  if  my  information  is  not  wholly  incorrect,  the  latter  are  much 
more  liable  “ to  an  abuse  of  power  ” from  the  former,  than  the  contrary.  The 
executive  power  of  the  Board  is  lodged  with,  or,  at  least,  exercised  by  the  Secre- 
taries and  Committee,  the  former,  as  I understand,  now  actually  holding  the 
leading  influence  in  their  joint  councils.  And  by  “ the  executive,”  as  uniformly 
employed  by  me,  I mean  the  joint  authority  both  of  the  secretaries  and  the  Com- 
mittee. Although  at  the  receipt  of  this  letter,  with  less  experience  of  the  prac- 
tical effect,  I did  not  object  to  this  explanation  of  the  powers  of  the  executive  of 
the  Board,  yet  it  will  be  observed  that  no  provision  is  made  for  allowing  the  rea- 
sonable plans  and  wishes  of  missionaries  any  specific  influence  in  determining 
their  course  or  labors ; submit  they  must  to  the  requirements  of  “ their  direc- 
tors,” or  appeal  to  the  Board,  which  as  matters  are  now  constituted  is  much  the 


48 


same  privilege  a humble  Jesuit  would  have  of  appealing  from  the  General  of  his 
Order  to  a General  Council.  Those  who  wish  special  evidence  of  this,  will 
probably  find  sufficient  in  a late  article  of  the  New  Englander  by  the  Rev.  Leon- 
ard Bacon,  D.  D.,  on  “ Responsibility  in  the  management  of  Societies.” 

My  reply  to  this  letter  was  full  and  intended  to  be  candid  and  respectful.  I 
aimed  to  acknowledge  mistakes,  correct  errors,  and  vindicate  what  I conscien- 
tiously believed  to  be  right  and  just.  On  the  subject  of  changing  the  relation  of 
missionaries  without  their  consent  or  knowledge,  my  zealous  friend,  Mr.  Perkins, 
in  reference  to  an  apprehension  I had  expressed  of  perhaps  being  dismissed,  had 
again  furnished  me  with  a valuable  argument,  and  in  ray  reply  I availed  myself 
of  it,  remarking,  “I  think  myself  justifiable  in  here  making  an  extract  from  a 
letter  I received  from  Mr.  Perkins  the  past  summer;  under  date  of  June  29th 
he  says,  ‘ “ It  is  about  a year  ago,  that  I wrote  Dr.  Anderson  a very  plain  letter 
in  relation  to  their  removing  Dr.  Grant  from  us,  without  even  consulting  us,  or 
giving  us  previous  intimation.  To-day  we  have  received  an  answer  to  that  let- 
ter, in  which  the  good  secretary  goes  into  a labored  process  to  show  that  they 
approve  and  intend  to  act  upon  the  principle  I asserted.  I think  their  abolishing 
your  mission  hardly  tallies  with  his  exposition  of  the  subject,  and  I am  sure  that 
your  dismission  would  be  farther  from  it  than  either  he  or  the  Committee  will 
wish  to  wander.”  ’ 

In  the  progress  of  this  narrative  I have  repeatedly  been  much  indebted  to  Mr. 
Perkins’  fluent  and  forcible  pen  for  aid,  nor  will  this  prove  to  have  been  the  last 
mark  of  his  regard  for  my  welfare,  and  while  I feel  sincerely  grateful  to  him  and 
his  colleagues  for  all  their  counsel  and  kindness,  prolonged  through  many  years, 
and  devoutly  pray  that  the  bountiful  Giver  of  all  good  will  abundantly  reward 
and  bless  them,  I have  also  the  satisfaction  of  remembering  that  I sincerely  en- 
deavored to  promote  their  happiness  and  usefulness,  and  to  aid  them  in  their 
work.  The  Lord  grant  that  all  our  trials  may  tend  to  prepare  us  and  those  un- 
der whom  we  labored,  with  those  whose  salvation  we  sought,  for  unalloyed  union 
and  blessedness  in  a state  of  immortal  perfection. 

The  executive  of  the  Board  yielded  apparently  a cold  assent  to  my  request  to 
be  permitted  to  make  longer  trial  at  Tebreez.  In  his  letter  of  July  3d,  Dr.  An- 
derson quotes  “ the  minute  of  their  proceedings,  viz  : 

“ A letter  was  read  from  Mr.  Merrick,  of  the  mission  to  the  Persian  Moham- 
medans, dated  Feb.  3,  1840,  on  the  subject  of  his  removal  to  Oroomiah.  The 
Committee  consented  to  his  making  longer  trial  of  a residence  at  Tebreez.” 

I hoped,  though  with  trembling,  that  this  permission  would  grow  into  a more 
permanent  establishment  of  the  Persian  mission,  and  lead  to  brighter  days. 
Even  in  the  letter  under  review.  Dr.  Anderson  had  said  that  “ he  was  happy  to 
observe  the  altered  and  improved  tone  of  my  letters  subsequent  to  Feb.  3d,”  in 
which  communication  I made  the  successful  appeal  in  behalf  of  the  mission  at 
Tebreez.  But  alas,  notwithstanding  all  my  improvements  and  efforts,  made  or 
purposed,  I had  gained  a favor  only  to  suffer  a keener  disappointment.  The 


49 


very  next  letter  1 received  from  Dr.  Anderson  contained  “a  peremptory  instruc- 
tion” for  me  to  join  the  Nestorian  mission  or  return  to  America- 

On  the  15th  of  April  1841,  the  Rev.  David  Greene  wrote  me  a communica- 
tion of  a general  nature  in  which  referring  to  my  answer  to  Dr.  Anderson’s  fa- 
vor of  ‘ July  3,  1840,’  he  says,  “ When  I peruse  such  letters  as  his  to  you,  and 
yours  to  him  in  reply,  I cannot  but  think  how  very  imperfect  a vehicle  of  thought 
and  feeling  our  much  vaunted  mode  of  writing  is ; and  feel  a painful  regret  that 
friends,  especially  when  they  desire  to  communicate  freely  respecting  matters 
which  most  deeply  interest  each  other,  and  where  they  differ  somewhat,  cannot 
come  and  sit  down  side  by  side  and  look  into  each  other’s  hearts,  or  at  least,  learn 
as  well  as  they  can  what  is  in  the  heart  by  what  of  it  is  expressed  in  the  eye,  the 
features  and  the  voice.  Supposing  that  all  which  Mr.  Anderson’s  letter  con- 
tains had  been  talked  over  to  you  by  him,  in  a good  natured  manner  as  he  sat  by 
your  side,  ready  to  receive  any  explanation,  and  make  any  allowance  which  you 
might  suggest, — would  it  not  have  been  to  you  a very  different  thing ; and 
would  not  the  emotions  called  forth  by  it  have  been  very  different? — Especial- 
ly as  your  explanatory  remarks,  from  time  to  time  thrown  in,  might,  in  many  in- 
stances, have  given  him  new  and  widely  different  views  of  various  points.  In 
writing,  all  he  could  do  was  to  go  straight  through  the  subject  as  it  was  presen- 
ted to  his  mind,  as  a whole,  while  a single  statement  from  you  might  have  ar- 
rested and  changed  his  course  in  the  midst  of  any  one  of  his  topics.  But  this 
he  could  not  have.  Correspondents  are  too  apt  to  proceed  on  the  supposition 
— each  that  the  other  looks  at  the  subject  from  the  same  point,  and  takes  in  all 
the  circumstances  that  he  does  himself,  and  to  be  affected  by  every  expression 
as  if  it  were  so.  * * * 

“ It  is  possible  that  missionaries  abroad  do  not  realize  to  what  extent  the  pat- 
rons of  the  missions  hold  the  Committee  and  the  officers  here  responsible  for 
the  plans  and  measures  of  the  missionaries  in  all  the  departments  of  their  labor. 
If  the  missionaries  were  directly  responsible  to  the  Christian  community  here, 
and  nothing  were  expected  of  the  Committee  in  the  way  of  direction,  their 
task  would  be  comparatively  easy.  But  the  patrons  of  the  Board  do  regard  the 
Committee  as  fully  responsible  for  all  that  the  missionaries  do.  They  would 
not  justify  the  Committee  in  allowing  any  missionaries  to  go  on  a single  year 
in  a course  which  the  Committee  disapproved.  No  missionary  or  mission 
could  be  sustained  any  length  of  time  in  the  prosecution  of  plans  which  the 
Committee  could  not  approve  and  defend.  It  is  desirable  that  missionaries 
should  make  the  Committee  thoroughly  acquainted  with  all  the  important  facts 
and  circumstances  connected  with  their  field  and  their  labors  j and  it  is  to  be 
supposed  that,  when  this  is  done,  the  Committee  and  the  missionaries,  being  all 
intelligent  and  reasonable  men,  will  think  nearly  alike  on  all  great  points  ; but 
if  they  seriously  disagree,  the  missionaries  must  yield,  or  the  mission  cannot  be 
sustained.  Such,  I am  confident,  are  the  feelings  of  the  Christian  community 
on  which,  under  God,  the  missionary  work  must  depend  for  support.  Mission- 
7 


50 


aries,  therefore,  must  allow  us  to  be  earnest  and  decided  in  expressing  views  to 
which  the  Committee  have  deliberately  arrived,  after  weighing  all  the  facts  and 
principles  before  them.  And  if  they  come  to  conclusions  different  from  those 
of  the  missionaries,  they  must  not  be  thought  to  be  hasty  or  partial,  or  too  fond 
of  controlling,  or  influenced  by  any  improper  motive ; but  still  be  confided  in 
as  kind  and  honest  men,  and  enlightened  by  more  full  and  impressive  statements 
of  the  facts  and  bearings  of  the  case. 

“ It  is  possible  that  missionaries  sometimes,  in  their  remoteness  and  loneli- 
ness, and  when  they  have  submitted  to  the  Committee  what  they  deem  a very 
clear  case,  and  their  plans  are  not  sanctioned,  feel  as  though  the  Committee 
and  themselves  had  different  objects  in  view,  and  in  some  sense  different  inte- 
rests. You  are  intently  bent  on  introducing  the  gospel  of  salvation  among  the 
Persians ; you  desire  to  be  in  the  highest  degree  devoted  to  this  object  and  use- 
ful in  it.  The  Committee  and  the  Secretaries  can  have  no  other  desire  for  you 
while  you  remain  in  that  mission.  When  you  succeed,  they  succeed,  so  far  as 
your  mission  is  concerned.  So  it  is  with  them  and  the  laborers  in  every  mis- 
sion. If  the  Committee  desire  to  make  any  change  in  your  field  of  labor,  or  in 
that  of  any  other  missionary,  their  object  and  desire  are  to  promote  the  cause  of 
Christ,  and  on  the  whole  to  make  that  missionary  most  useful  for  that  object. 
Our  object  and  that  of  the  missionaries,  if  we  and  they  are  honest  men,  are 
identically  the  same.  There  can  be  no  diversity  in  this  respect.  We  are  aim- 
ing at  one  and  the  same  thing.  When  they  accomplish  their  object,  we  accom- 
plish ours  ; and  when  they  fail,  we  fail  also.” 

This  letter  was  not  suited  to  encourage  very  flattering  expectations,  nor  did  I 
consider  it  a precursor  of  the  abandonment  of  the  Persian  mission.  I still  hoped 
and  toiled  on.  I could  not  believe  that  my  respectful  but  candid  correspondence 
had  given  unpardonable  offence,  or  that  the  reasons  adduced  for  continuing  the 
mission  at  Tebreez  would  be  set  aside  with  so  little  delay  and  attention.  It 
surely  could  not  reasonably  be  expected  that  an  additional  year’s  trial  with  no  in- 
creased facilities  for  usefulness  would  furnish  a great  array  of  striking  facts  in 
favor  of  the  cause  I advocated.  The  Omniscient  knows  if  I erred,  in  feeling 
myself  forced  to  the  conclusion,  that  the  executive  were  more  disposed  to  find 
reasons  for  abolishing,  than  for  perseveringly  sustaining  the  Persian  mission. 
The  success  so  emphatically  dwelt  on  by  Mr.  Greene,  had  not,  and  perhaps 
would  not  soon  crown  my  efforts  at  Tebreez,  and  since  I had  not  only  failed 
to  supply  a sufficient  amount  of  popular  intelligence,  but  had  ventured  to  dissent 
from  the  expressed  will  of  the  e.xecutive,  it  was  not  difficult  to  find  reasons  for 
removing  me  to  another  sphere. 

In  Dr.  Anderson’s  next  letter,  dated  ‘ Oct.  20,  1841,’  he  says,  “ Under  date 
of  July  3,  1840,  I forwarded  to  you  a minute  of  the  Prudential  Committee,  con- 
senting to  your  making  longer  trial  of  a residence  at  Tebreez,  agreeably  to  your 
proposal.  After  a year  or  more,  the  Committee  thought  they  ought  again  to  look 
at  the  subject,  especially  as  it  seemed  desirable  to  say  something  about  the  con- 


ui 


tinuance  of  your  mission  in  the  Annual  Report.  Accordingly  on  the  10th  of 
august,  about  the  time  we  came  to  your  mission  in  the  preparation  of  the  Re- 
port, the  Committee  adopted  the  following  resolution  : — viz. 

‘ “ Resolved, — That,  in  view  of  the  increasing  claims  of  other  fields  occnpied 
by  the  Board,  and  the  unpromising  nature  of  that  among  the  Mohammedans  of 
Persia,  as  appears  from  the  general  tenor  of  Mr.  Merrick’s  correspondence  dur- 
ing the  five  years  and  upwards  which  he  has  spent  in  that  country,  the  Perso- 
Mohammedan  mission  be  discontinued  as  a distinct  and  separate  mission. 

‘ “ Resolved, — That  Mr.  Merrick  be  authorized  to  connect  himself  with  the 
Nestorian  mission  at  Oroomiah.” 

“ The  Committee  cannot  but  regard  five  years  as  long  enough,  in  an  explor- 
ing and  experimental  mission  like  yours,  to  determine  the  question  whether  it  is 
expedient  and  proper  to  recognize  it  as  among  the  permanent  institutions  of  the 
Board.  We  see  no  prospect  of  any  new  light  for  years  to  come.  If  the  Board 
stood  in  the  place  of  the  whole  church,  and  had  the  means,  as  the  church  un- 
questionably has,  for  preaching  the  gospel  to  every  creature,  then  we  ought  to 
have  missions  to  the  Perso-Mohammedans,*  and  every  where  else  among  the  Pa- 
gans and  Moslims.  But  it  has  not,  and  must  wisely  husband  its  means.  Be- 
sides, a number  of  the  fields  it  has  been  led  to  occupy  are  opening  in  a remarka- 
ble manner,  and  make  extraordinary  demands  for  laborers  and  means  of  spiritu- 
al illumination.  With  so  many  highly  productive  fields,  we  cannot  afford  to  oc- 
cupy those  which  promise  so  little  at  present  as  yours,  with  a distinct  mission  ; 
for,  if  we  resolve  to  occupy  the  field  you  are  now  in,  permanently,  with  a distinct 
and  separate  mission,  measures  should  be  taken  to  enlarge  its  instrumentalities. 

“ I believe  that,  painful  as  this  result  may  be  to  you,  you  will  cheerfully  ac- 
quiesce in  it,  as  being  accordant  with  the  indications  of  Providence.  You  do 
not  abandon  Persia,  nor  the  Mohammedans  of  Persia,  you  go,  if  you  choose,  to 
Oroomiah,  and  there  have  agreeable  associates,  and  nearly  or  quite  all  the  op- 
portunities you  now  have  of  access  to  the  Mohammedan  mind  and  heart.  * * 
“ I earnestly  hope  that  you  will  see  your  way  clear  to  join  the  mission  at 
Oroomiah  in  the  spring ; or,  if  the  heats  of  the  summer  be  an  objection  to  that 
time,  as  early  as  may  be  in  the  ensuing  autumn.” 

This  letter  was  received  on  the  23d  of  January  1842.  It  will  be  observed 
that  one  of  the  main  reasons,  if  not  the  principal  one,  here  assigtied  for  discon- 

* The  phrases  “ Perso-Mohammedans”  and  “ Perso-Mohammedan  mission”  which  Dr.  An- 
derson generally  employs  to  designate  these  subjects,  are  neither  classical  nor  correct.  Who 
would  think  of  saying  Turco-Mohammedans  or  Jlrabico-Mohammedans  to  denote  the  Turks  or 
Arabs  in  their  own  peculiar  dominions.  Js  it  not  well  known  that  Persians,  Turks,  and  Arabs, 
are  one  and  all  Mohammedans  ^ A mission  to  the  Armenians  of  Turkey  or  the  Nestorians  of 
Persia  might  be  denominated  Turco-Armenian  and  Perso-Nestorian,  to  designate  the  coun- 
try ot  such  operations  ; or  a book  in  the  language  of  one  people,  and  in  the  alphabetie  eharaetrr 
of  another,  would  be  thus  described,  but  a mission  to  Persians  or  Turks  in  their  own  respec- 
tive kingdoms,  of  course  admits  only  tlie  simple  appellation  Persian  or  Turkish. 


52 


(Inuing  the  Persian  mission  is  a want  of  funds.  But  in  July  1840  “ the  w'ant 
of  funds,  experienced  or  apprehended,  had  nothing  at  all  to  do  with  the  propo- 
sal” of  removing  me  to  Oroomiah;  for  Dr.  Anderson  expressly  says,  “ we  can 
get  funds  for  our  present  extended  system,  as  easily  as  we  could  for  one  less  ex- 
tended, and  easier,  taking  one  year  with  another.”  But  times  had  sadly  changed 
since  then,  for  in  the  letter  above  quoted  the  secretary  adds,  “ Both  in  England 
and  in  this  country  there  is  great  difficulty  found  in  getting  beyond  the  present 
limits  ” of  missionary  income  and  operation.  In  regard  to  my  being  sent  on 
“ an  exploring  and  experimental  mission,”  I need  only  refer  to  the  documents 
quoted  in  the  former  part  of  this  narrative,  to  prove  that  this  view  of  the  sub- 
ject is  an  afterthought  and  sheer  assumption,  unwarranted  by  a single  express- 
ion in  the  correspondence  and  instructions  of  my  outset.  Had  I been  com- 
pelled to  leave  Persia,  or  become  so  discouraged  as  to  have  quitted  that  field, 
it  would  then  have  been,  perhaps,  “an  exploring  and  experimental  mission,”  but 
in  point  of  actual  fact  it  w-as  intended  to  be  permanent.  Providence  permitting, 
as  much  as  other  new  missions  of  the  Board.  It  obviously  serves  a turn  how- 
ever, to  cast  the  whole  responsibility  on  the  unaided  missionary,  and  to  call 
the  work  a mere  trial 

It  will  be  observed  that  no  new  instructions  were  given  me,  and  that  the  res- 
olution of  the  Committee  and  the  accompanying  letter  of  the  secretary  fully 
allowed  of  my  laboring  much,  if  not  entirely  for  the  Persians  ; since  I was  ex- 
pected to  have  “^nearly  or  quite  all  the  opportunities  ‘ I had  at  Tebreez’  of  access 
to  the  Mohammedan  mind  and  heart.”  It  will  be  remembered  too,  that  when 
in  1840,  I was  instructed  to  join  the  Nestorian  mission,  it  was  understood  by 
the  brethren  there,  that  I was  to  labor  chiefly  for  the  Persians,  and  if  I mistake 
not,  such  an  inference  w'as  fully  warranted  by  Dr.  Anderson’s  letter  on  that 
occasion.  The  brethren  then  very  kindly  offered  to  “ pay  a fraternal  regard  to 
my  wishes  and  to  the  state  of  my  health  in  respect  to  both  the  kind  and  the 
amount  of  labor  which  I should  undertake.”  Delicate  health  was  justly  con- 
sidered by  the  brethren  as  entitled  to  some  lenity,  and  a reasonable  degree  of 
devotion  to  a particular  work  was  then  regarded  by  them  with  favor. 

As  the  whole  subject  of  my  missionary  relations  had  often  been  carefully  ex- 
amined, I was  not  long,  after  receiving  Dr.  Anderson’s  letter  in  deciding  to  re- 
main and  do  what  I could  in  Persia.  We  were  then  on  a visit  at  Oroomiah. 
The  next  day,  January  24th,  after  the  receipt  of  the  secretary’s  letter,  I wrote 
him  saying,  “ Your  letter  of  the  20th  of  last  October  came  to  hand  last  night. 
I shall  not  expatiate  on  my  feelings  of  disappointment  and  grief  at  the  final  aban- 
donment of  the  mission  to  the  Persians.  Three  days  previously  I had  received 
a copy  of  the  New-York  Observer,  containing  an  account  of  the  last  meeting 
of  the  Board,  and  the  statement  that  my  mission  was  given  up.  I had  long 
feared  this  result,  and  had  therefore  given  the  subject  prayerful  consideration. 

“ As  in  annexing  me  to  the  Nestorian  mission,  the  Committee,  if  I rightly 


53 


understand  your  letter,  allow  me  to  direct  my  efforts  to  the  Mohammedans,  I 
have  concluded  that  it  is  my  duty  to  make  atrial  at  Oroomiah.  * * * 

“ I come  to  Oroomiah  to  make  another  trial  with  the  feeling  that  I must 
look  to  God  for  help  and  success.  He  is  our  trust  in  circumstances  however 
trying.  My  conviction  is  that  the  relative  importance  of  the  mission  to  the 
Persians  is  not  appreciated  by  the  Committee,  and  that,  judging  from  what  I 
see  in  print,  the  exact  value  offacts,  bearing  on  the  missionary  cause,  is  in  ma- 
ny cases  much  overrated.  But  I forbear  to  dwell  on  this  subject,  as  my  humble 
opinion  has  been  expressed  long  ago. 

“ I think  it  not  only  wise,  but  an  imperative  duty  for  the  Board  to  get  out  of 
debt  as  soon  as  possible,  and  to  limit  their  operations  to  their  income.  Much 
I fear  that  some  of  the  cords  you  are  straining  higher  annually,  will  one  day 
break.  Healthful  action,  established  more  on  principle  than  feeling,  with  as 
few  strained  efforts  as  possible,  should  I think,  be  the  present  aim  of  the  friends 
of  missions. 

“ If  I have  gone  beyond  my  province  in  these  remarks,  or  in  any  part  of  my 
past  correspondence  with  you,  I rely  on  your  candor  and  ipiety  to  excuse  it, 
and  to  allow  me  in  my  future  communications  to  act  on  the  same  principles 
which  have  been  my  guide  in  times  past. 

“My  relations  to  the  Board  having  assumed  another  aspect,  I implore  grace 
from  on  high  to  fulfill  my  duty  in  this  new  sphere,  while  continued  in  it,  to  the 
glory  of  Christ. 

“ Most  sincerely  do  I thank  you  and  the  Committee  for  all  your  kind  inter- 
est in  my  welfare,  and  pray  God  to  reward  you  most  richly  both  here  and 
hereafter.” 

In  the  ensuing  spring  we  returned  to  Tebreez  where  we  remained  till  near 
the  close  of  September,  when  having  disposed  of  our  hired  house,  and  made 
other  arrangements,  we  commenced  our  journey  and  finally  reached  Oroomiah 
and  joined  the  Nestorian  mission  on  the  1st  of  October,  1842.  That  the  exec- 
utive did  not  “ allow  me  to  direct  my  efforts  to  the  Mohammedans,”  was  never 
denied  or  otherwise  explained  to  me,  till  brought  up  in  connection  with  ‘ advice’ 
for  my  return  to  America.  The  fact  that  I was  not  instructed  to  turn  from  the 
Musulmans,  but,  on  the  contrary,  to  do  what  I could  for  their  benefit,  and  my 
express  and  unquestioned  declaration,  as  above  quoted,  that  I still  considered 
myself  a missionary  to  the  Persians,  strongly  evince  the  inconsistency  of  subse- 
quently censuring  me  for  attention  to  such  a work. 

Before  the  abandonment  of  the  mission  at  Tebreez,  I had  written  a treatise 
in  Persian,  in  vindication  of  the  Christian  religion,  a work  which  my  frequent 
discussions  with  the  Musulmdns  had  satisfied  me  was  much  needed.  I had 
also  been  engaged  for  a considerable  time  in  translating  an  Astronomy  into 
Persian,  taking  Burritt’s  Geography  of  the  Heavens  as  the  basis  of  the  work,  but 
adding,  abridging  and  altering  materially,  as  I judged  best  suited  for  the  object  for 
which  the  translation  was  designed.  I sought  to  convey  through  this  medium 


54 


considerable  Christian  instruction ; and  as  the  Persians  are  very  much  interes- 
ted in  Astronomy  as  a necessary  means  of  arriving  at  a knowledge  of  their  fa- 
vorite science,  Astrology,  my  translation  attracted  attention,  especially  as  it 
stood  opposed  to  their  Ptolemaic  system  of  the  earth’s  immobility,  which  isjec- 
ognized  as  the  true  theory  in  the  Koran  and  all  their  traditionary  legends  ; con- 
sequently, if  the  earth  is  proved  to  be  a moving  planet,  it  tends  to  undermine 
the  whole  fabric  of  their  religious  belief.  As  a missionary  work  I regarded 
this  translation  as  possessing  some  importance,  and  it  was  so  viewed  by  the  mis- 
sion, for  on  the  5th  of  December  1842,  the  brethren  sent  a joint  letter  to  Dr. 
Anderson  stating  the  object  and  probable  influence  of  such  works,  and  asking 
if  it  might  be  printed  at  the  expense  of  the  Board,  and  suggesting  that  my  Tract 
or  Treatise  above  mentioned,  be  also  published.  Conditional  permission  to 
print  the  Astronomy  was  first  given  and  subsequently  withdrawn. 

From ‘Nov.  18,  1842’  to ‘Nov.  15,  1844,’  Dr.  Anderson  favored  me  with  no 
individual  communication,  and  gave  me  no  encouragement  or  instructions  in 
my  labors,  unless  his  acquiescing  in  the  application  of  Dr.  Glen  and  the  Nesto- 
rian  mission  for  my  translating  Keith’s  Evidence  of  Prophecy  into  Persian,  and 
saying  in  a letter  to  the  mission  that  it  ought  to  be  a secondary  work,  may  be 
regarded  as  an  exception.  It  had  long  been  apparent  that  I was  not  a favorite, 
and  that  however  conscientiously  and  diligently  I sought  to  discharge  my  duty, 
the  most  I could  expect  was  bare  toleration  in  my  work. 

In  his  letter  of  ‘ Nov.  18,  1842,’  Dr.  Anderson  says  “ It  was  with  no  small 
pleasure  we  saw  how  you  bowed  your  spirit  to  the  decision  of  Providence  in  re- 
lation to  your  Persian  Mohammedan  mission.”  To  this  on  its  receipt  in  Feb- 
ruary 1843, 1 replied,  “ I am  far  from  wishing  to  renew,  or  even  recall  to  mind, 
any  controversy  about  the  Persian  mission.  I think  there  is  reason  to  conclude 
that  any  arguments  in  my  power  to  present,  and  any  favoring  circumstances  of 
the  ordinary  providence  of  God,  would  have  so  little  influence  with  you  and 
the  Prudential  Committee,  that  it  is  better,  so  far  as  you  are  concerned,  to  con- 
sider the  matter  finally  settled.  I have  been  led  to  make  this  remark  by  a pas- 
sage in  your  letter,  which,  after  considerable  reflection,  1 have  felt  it  my  duty 
to  notice.  You  say,  “ It  was  with  no  small  pleasure  we  saw  how  you  bowed 
your  spirit  to  the  decision  of  Providence  in  relation  to  your  Persian  Mohamme- 
dan mission.”  The  Lord  grant  me  grace  that  I may  ever  bow  readily  and  lowly 
to  His  blessed  will.  I do  not  suppose  you  intend  to  claim  any  infallibility,  or  to 
intimate  that  a special  providence  directs  your  decisions,  yet  in  view  of  the 
course  that  has  been  pursued  toward  the  Persian  mission,  it  strikes  me  that  this 
unqualified  reference  of  the  decision  to  the  Most  High,  is  at  least  liable  to  be 
misunderstood. 

“ Let  me  here  add,  once  for  all,  that  if  you  suppose  my  judgment  is  con- 
vinced, and  my  feelings  reconciled,  on  the  subject  of  abandoning  the  Persian 
field,  or  that  there  is  a human  probability  that  I shall  ever  acquiesce  in  seeing 
this  people  neglected,  then  it  is  but  justice  frankly  to  say,  that,  whatever  changes 


55 


may  come  over  me,  I expect  in  the  main,  to  carry  my  long  settled  convictions 
in  this  matter  to  my  grave.  And  I think  I have  increasing  reason  to  hope  that 
Divine  Providence  will  at  length  point  and  lead  to  a decision  that  will  result  in 
great  good  to  Persia. 

“ It  was  indeed  pleasing  intelligence  to  hear  that  the  Board  was  relieved  of 
debt,  but  I am  truly  sorry  that  apprehensions  of  another  pressure  so  soon  follow. 
I am  satisfied  the  true  state  and  prospects  of  the  missionary  work  are  not  well 
understood  at  home.  According  to  the  present  dispensation  of  grace,  the  work 
will  be  long,  and  therefore  it  requires  steady  perseverance.  Violent  efforts, 
that  produce  no  corresponding  result  in  evangelizing  the  world,  will  be  followed 
by  reactions  unfavorable  to  truth  and  benevolence.” 

After  completing  the  Astronomy,  as  above  stated,  I applied  to  the  mission  in 
a regular  business  meeting,  to  assign  me  more  work,  and  it  was  formally  re- 
solved by  the  brethren  that  I should  prepare  a Geography  in  Persian,  it  being 
understood  that  much  religious  matter  bearing  on  the  Mohammedan  controver- 
sy would  be  wrought  into  the  book.  Before  proceeding  far  in  this  work,  I receiv- 
ed a letter  in  February  1843,  from  Dr.  Glen,  as  already  intimated,  requesting  me 
to  translate  the  Evidence  of  Prophecy  into  Persian.  He  also  wrote  to  Dr.  An- 
derson on  the  same  subject.  1 laid  this  matter  before  the  mission  in  regular 
session,  and  they  adopted  the  following  resolution  which  is  copied  from  their 
records  ; namely,  “ It  was  resolved,  that  the  mission  concur  in  the  suggestion 
of  the  Rev.  William  Glen,  that  it  is  desirable  to  have  “ Keith’s  Evidence  of 
Prophecy”  translated  into  Persian,  and  that  we  recommend  fto  the  Prudential 
Committe  of  the  A.  B.  C.  F.  M.  that  they  authorize  Rev.  J.  L.  Merrick  to 
make  the  translation.” 

The  consent  of  the  executive  was  in  due  time  received.  Believing  this  work 
to  be  important  in  preparatory  labors  for  the  Persians,  I commenced  it  with  in- 
terest and  continued  it  with  diligence,  but  found  it  no  small  undertaking,  as 
any  one  competent  to  judge  may  know.  My  time  Avas  much  broken  by  Per- 
sian company  who  generally  sat  for  long  discussions  on  various  subjects,  and 
by  attention  to  Ncstorian  affairs,  which  began  in  1843  seriously  to  trouble  the 
mission;  first,  about  a church  claimed  by  the  Catholics,  and  in  1844  especially, 
the  opposition  of  the  Nestorian  ecclesiastics  led  to  severe  trials,  and  at  length  to 
express  difference  of  missionary  views,  among  the  brethren.  My  health  too 
was  far  from  being  vigorous,  requiring  careful  treatment,  yet  by  dint  of  perse- 
verance, sometimes  to  severe  exhaustion,  I finally  completed  this  work  just  be- 
fore I left  Persia,  and  it  has  since  been  printed  at  Edinburgh,  though  not  at  the 
recommendation  or  expense  of  the  American  Board. 

Harmony  and  mutual  good  will  were  obviously  predominant  in  the  mission, 
especially  during  the  period  after  I joined  it,  and  till  certain  questions  of  mis- 
sionary policy  arose,  which  naturally  growing  out  of  the  leading  measures  of 
past  operations,  in  connection  with  pressing  difficulties,  at  length  led  to  diversi- 
ty of  sentiment  among  the  brethren  ; and  although  one  of  them  finally  left  the 


56 


field,  assigning  as  liis  reason  for  so  doing,  that  the  policy  sustained  by  the  ma- 
jority was  too  temporizing  and  mercenary  in  his  view  to  receive  the  divine  bles- 
sing, still  much  personal  kindness  was  manifested  reciprocally  by  all,  and  if 
some  acts  and  expressions  on  the  part  of  the  majority  left  room  to  infer  that  the 
most  charitable  feelings  did  not  always  prevail,  and  if  in  any  instance  the  minor- 
ity seemed  wanting  in  this  grace,  I would  still  trust  that  such  emotions  were 
temporary,  and  that  the  piety  and  motives*  of  no  member  of  the  mission  has  been 
called  in  question  by  his  colleagues,  however  trying  the  circumstances  in  which 
we  were  sometimes  placed.  For  myself  I can  truly  say,  and  I am  happy  to  feel 
and  know,  that,  while  I conscientiously  dissented  from  the  views  and  policy  once 
sustained  by  a part  of  the  mission,  I have  ever  esteemed  the  many  excellencies 
of  all  my  associates  at  Oroomiah,  and  they  certainly  have  my  prayers  and  best 
wishes  for  their  welfare.  Diversity  of  sentiment  on  some  points  arose  in  that 
mission  long  before  the  proposition  for  my  joining  it ; and  if  I do  not  wholly 
mistake  facts,  I have  not  been  a party  to  the  greatest  personal  difference  which 
has  unfortunately  occurred  at  Oroomiah,  while  I have  always  been  of  opinion 
that  a greater  and  more  lasting  uniformity  of  views  never  existed  in  that  mission 
than  for  a long  period  after  I joined  it,  and  till  certain  principles  of  its  policy 
came  to  a crisis.  More  than  once,  when  the  question  came  to  be  seriously  agi- 
tated, did  this  policy  seem  likely  to  be  reformed  by  the  brethren  themselves,  but 
finally  a bare  majority  sustained  its  leading  measures,  which  have  since  been 
expressly  repudiated  by  the  executive  of  the  Board,  however  they  may  have  for- 
merly sanctioned  a mercenary  course,  and  still,  in  respect  to  professed  converts’ 
praying  to  saints,  uphold  a temporizing  policy. 

As  Dr.  Anderson  has  seen  fit,  in  a formal  conference  between  himself  and  a 
number  of  the  leading  men  in  the  church  at  Battleboro,  Vt.  in  April,  1847,  to  put 
my  recall  on  extraordinary  ground,  it  is  proper,  before  passing  entirely  from  the 
subject  of  harmony  in  the  Nestorian  mission,  to  state  his  assertion  as  reported 
to  me  by  a member  of  that  conference,  and  corroborated  by  the  written  dec- 
laration of  another  who  was  present  at  the  interview.  My  correspondent  says 
that  Dr.  Anderson  certainly  conveyed  the  idea  to  his  mind,  that  there  was  a 
contest  for  power  between  Mr.  Perkins  of  that  mission  and  myself,  and  adds, 
“ On  this  statement  being  made,  I put  the  question  direct  to  him,  if  that  was 
the  idea  he  intended  to  convey,  and  he  half  way  assented  to  it  at  first,  and  then 
said,  yes,  it  was.”  And  one  of  the  main  charges  which  the  secretary  urged 
against  me  in  that  conference  was,  that  I had  “ disagreed  with  the  majority  of 
the  mission  as  to  the  course  to  be  pursued,  and  the  Board  were  satisfied  that 
there  could  be  no  harmony  at  Oroomiah  till  either  you  [myself]  or  Mr.  Perkins 
were  recalled,  and  that  it  was  deemed  best  for  the  mission  that  you  should  be  re- 
called instead  of  Mr.  P.” 

* This  was  written  before  the  Boston  Recorder  of  last  June  24th  published  a long  and 
censorious  article  from  Oroomiah,  which  seems  to  assail  some  of  my  motives  severely,  but 
with  great  injustice  as  is  shown  in  my  reply. 


57 


I do  not  deny  that  Dr.  Anderson  may  have  received  this  impression  from  a 
certain  secret  communication  which  evidently  influenced  the  executive  not  a 
little  in  their  proceedings  against  me,  and  which  will  be  reverted  to  hereafter  ; 
but  I do  deny  solemnly  and  positively  that  this  representation  is  true,  and  aver 
that  I never  sought  to  rule  the  Nestorian  mission,  and  Mr.  Perkins,  if  his  pro- 
fessions, which  will  in  due  order  be  adduced,  were  honest  and  sincere,  could  not 
have  regarded  me  as  a desperate  rival.  How  he  will  relish  the  compliment  of 
being  told  that  the  favor  bestowed  so  unceremoniously  on  myself,  like  an  ill- 
omened  bird,  hovered  long  and  doubtfully  over  his  own  head,  is  for  him  to  ex- 
plain. The  executive,  however,  seem  to  have  “ split  the  difference”  by  recalling 
me,  and  quashing  Mr.  Perkins’  policy.  I hardly  need  say  that  this  assertion  of 
the  secretary’s  does  not  harmonize  very  well  with  the  “reasons”  he  assigned 
for  my  recall  in  the  formal  letter  conveying  that  “ peremptory  instruction.” 
Previous  to  the  departure  of  the  Rev.  Willard  Jones  from  Oroomiah,  at  the 
close  of  August,  1844,  the  plan  for  a reform  in  the  policy  of  the  mission  was 
often  sustained  on  various  points  by  a majority,  and  even  after  he  left,  .some  ques- 
tions adverse  to  this  purpose  were  carried  with  difficulty.  During  the  summer 
of  1844,  the  mission  was  greatly  troubled  by  the  Nestorian  ecclesiastics,  who 
with  scarce  an  exception  arrayed  themselves  in  strong  opposition,  because  cer- 
tain pecuniary  demands  were  not  granted,  especially  withholding  salaries  from 
all  the  Nestorian  patriarch’s  brothers,  who,  driven  from  their  mountain  home 
by  the  Koords,  had  sought  refuge  and  support  at  Oroomiah.  Although  the 
bishops  had  opposed  the  mission  for  some  months,  they  did  not  formally  dissolve 
\ their  connection  with  the  brethren  until  the  5th  of  October,  when  they  demanded 
their  pay  and  withdrew  from  our  employment,  (Mar  Gabriel  signifying  indeed 
that  he  should  return,)  it  being  mutually  and  distinctly  understood  that  the  act 
1 of  withdrawal  was  their  own  voluntary  proceeding,  and  consequently  that  it  re- 
leased both  parties  from  former  engagements  to  each  other. 

The  relation  which  the  bishops  had  previously  sustained  toward  the  mission 
was  of  a peculiar  nature.  The  first  missionary  to  the  Nestorians  needed  of 
course  a Syriac  teacher,  as  all  his  colleagues  successively  arriving  among  that 
people  also  did.  He  employed  Mar  Yohannan  who  for  a considerable  period 
rendered  a valuable  service  as  a teacher  and  assistant.  Mar  Yoosif  was  subse- 
quently engaged  as  an  assistant  superintendent  of  schools,  his  general  influence, 
if  I mistake  not,  being  considered  more  important  than  the  actual  service  he 
! rendered.  Mar  Gabriel  possessing  the  largest  diocese  on  the  plain,  embracing 
; the  city  of  Oroomiah  and  neighboring  villages,  and  being  metropolitan  or  chief 
1 bishop  of  the  Nestorians  in  Persia,  and  wielding  officially  an  extensive  influence 
among  his  people,  was  of  course  regarded  with  interest  by  the  brethren.  Though 
by  no  means  the  worst  man  in  his  tribe,  yet  his  disposition  and  habits,  as  the 
Herald  has  from  time  to  time  abundantly  testified,  were  quite  unsuited  to  any 
service  or  efficient  labor  under  the  direction  of  the  mission.  1 well  remember 
8 


58 


the  emphatic  declaration  of  the  senior  member  of  the  mission  in  its  earlier 
years,  in  reference  to  this  bishop.  Said  the  missionary,  “ Set  Mar  Gabriel  to 
teach  or  superintend  a school,  and  nothing  will  be  done;  but  tell  him  to  catch 
fifty  hyenas,  of  which  there  are  some  in  Persia,  and  you  may  expect  the  thing 
will  be  accomplished.”  The  same  sentiment  is  expressed  in  still  stronger  terms 
by  the  same  author  on  the  273d  page  of  his  “ Residence  in  Persia,”  where  it  is 
said  of  this  bishop  in  April,  1836,  “ Were  we,  instead  of  requesting  him  to  aid 
us  in  establishing  schools,  to  commission  him  to  take  for  us  a thousand  ducks 
from  the  lake,  or  half  that  number  of  hyenas  from  the  mountains,  he  would  re- 
gard the  commission  as  an  honorable  and  no  less  agreeable  one, — would  mount 
his  horse  and  shoulder  his  musket,  and  hardly  give  himself  time  to  sleep  till  so 
important  a work  were  accomplished.”  Ilis  influence  however  was  considered 
important,  and  after  minor  efforts  and  agreements,  he  was  finally  engaged  in 
October,  1839,  by  a written  contract,  to  favor  and  aid  the  mission,  nominally  to 
superintend  schools,  but  really  for  his  ordinary  and  special  influence  to  coun- 
tenance and  sustain  the  mission  among  his  people.  Mar  Elias,  the  fourth  and 
only  remaining  bishop  on  the  plain,  could  not  properly  be  overlooked  in  a sys- 
tem of  operations  based  so  largely  on  the  most  liberal  conciliation.  He  was  em- 
ployed as  the  teacher  of  a fresh  colleague  in  the  mission,  not  because  this  aged 
and  in  many  respects  worthy  bishop  was  the  most  competent  and  proper  person 
for  a Syriac  tutor,  for  I have  understood  that  he  proved  to  be  a sleepy  teacher, 
but,  as  it  has  been  expressly  declared  to  me  by  a party  concerned  in  this  ar- 
rangement, because  an  office  was  wanted  for  the  man  to  conciliate  him  and  se- 
cure his  cooperation  in  point  of  influence.  I am  aware  that  the  advocates  of 
this  policy  are  disposed  to  magnify  the  real  service  of  all  these  bishops,  but  I 
solemnly  aver  that  I state  the  case  according  to  the  best  of  my  knowledge  gain- 
ed by  many  opportunities  for  observation  and  inquiry,  both  before  and  after  I 
was  associated  with  the  Nestorian  mission,  and  my  sincere  aim  is,  both  in  this 
and  all  other  matters,  to  represent  the  simple  facts  of  the  case  with  the  utmost 
fairness,  candor  and  charity.  Dr.  Anderson  indeed,  in  the  conference  at  Brat- 
tleboro  above  mentioned,  did  “ deny  that  any  money  had  ever  been  paid  to  the 
bishops  for  their  influence,  but  said  it  was  all  for  the  benefit  of  the  schools,  that 
is,  to  pay  them  for  getting  scholars  to  attend  the  schools.”  This  declaration 
is  certainly  of  a most  extraordinary  character,  and  shows  either  great  ignorance 
of  the  facts,  or  a very  peculiar  mode  of  viewing  them,  and,  if  true,  would  prove 
that  the  executive,  in  instructing  the  mission  to  pay  only  for  actual  service,  had 
assumed  a false  charge  against  the  brethren.  Had  the  executive  complied  with 
my  request  to  copy  portions  of  Dr.  Anderson’s  letters  to  the  Nestorian  mission, 
I could  have  shown,  on  his  own  authority,  that  I had  advocated  previously  what 
he  finally  enjoined,  especially  in  regard  to  giving  salaries  only  for  actual  service, 
and  thus  freeing  the  policy  of  the  mission  from  mercenary  inducements.  Anoth- 
er day  will  disclose  the  fact. 


59 


A letter  written  at  Oroomlah  about  four  months  after  I left  that  station,  gives 
information  that  a member  of  the  Nestorian  mission  had  written  to  a member  of 
the  Syrian  mission,  to  the  effect  ■“  that  the  Committee  had  instructed  this  [Nes- 
torian] mission  to  pay  only  for  services  rendered.”  The  Nestorian  missionary 
“ said,  this  was  interpreted  variously  ; some  confining  it  to  service  in  fact,  oth- 
ers thinking  that  influential  men  lending  their  influence  was  virtually  service.” 
The  Syrian  brother  replied,  ” As  for  money-for  services  rendered,  I go  in  heart 
and  soul  for  interpreting  that  in  a good  old  fashioned,  puritanical  way.  None 
of  your  refinings  about  influence.  You  will  excuse  me  for  speaking  so  plainly 
on  this  point.”  And  after  saying  that  a member  of  the  Turkey  mission  had  ta- 
ken the  same  view  of  this  general  subject,  he  continues,  “ I doubt  whether  the 
community  at  home  will  do  any  better.  Certainly  the  late  experience  of  your 
mission  would  not  carry  their  opinions  (that  is,  the  opinions  of  the  community 
at  home,)  by  storm,  in  favor  of  any  such  measures.”  To  which  the  writer  of 
the  letter  from  which  I quote  adds,  “ That  such  was  the  policy,  ‘ once  upon  a 
time’  of  the  whole  Nestorian  mission,  some  of  us  will  not  forget,  however  bois- 
terously it  may  be  denied.” 

But  although  in  form  this  may  have  been  strongly  denied  at  first  by  some 
members  of  the  mission  who  laid  great  stress  on  the  professed  services  of  the 
Nestorian  bishops,  and  though  Dr.  Anderson,  as  above  stated,  has  lately  reiter- 
ated this  denial,  and  however  under  the  name  of  hospitality  the  mission  has  done 
much  to  conciliate  those  ecclesiastics  since  their  former  pecuniary  connection 
with  the  brethren,  in  accordance  with  the  special  instructions  of  the  executive, 
was  dissolved,  yet  time  and  reflection  seem  to  have  convinced  the  missionaries 
more  than  was  formerly  admitted,  that  it  was  indeed  the  influence  which  the 
mission  wanted,  for  a letter,  dated  atOroomiah,  ‘Jan.  18,  1847,’  in  reference  to 
those  bishops,  says,  “ The  connection  with  them  is  acknowledged  by  all  now,  to 
be  to  secure  their  influence — as  legitimate  missionary  helpers  no  one  values 
them.” 

In  regard  to  the  change  made  in  the  relations  of  the  bishops  to  the  mission, 
one  of  the  brethren  under  date  of  ‘ Nov.  4,  1846,’  says,  “ When  we  received 
our  instructions  from  the  Missionary  House  to  pay  only  for  actual  service,  we 
gave  the  bishops  formally  to  understand  that  we  could  no  longer  pay  them  a sal- 
ary, and  advised  them  to  go  to  their  villages  and  attend  to  their  ‘ flocks.’ 
They  were  also  told  that  if  we  had  occasion  for  their  services,  and  we  ‘prob- 
ably should  have,’  we  would  pay  them  according  to  our  own  notions  of  right. 
They  were  also  told  that  at  all  times  we  would  be  happy  to  receive  them  as 
guests,  and  they  might  feel  at  perfect  liberty  to  make  their  visits  as  long  as  pos- 
sible. The  bishops  were  divided  among  different  members  of  the  mission,  and 
provision  was  made  for  their  entertainment.”  But  this  liberal  “ hospitality,”  as 
might  have  been  anticipated,  failed  to  satisfy  the  “guests.” 

The  general  fact  that  the  influence  of  the  bishops  was  specially  desired  apd 


60 


sought  by  the  mission,  is  stated  in  the  same  letter,  from  which  the  above  is  quo- 
ted, in  these  terms,  “ As  to  service — this  is  now  frankly  owned  to  be  influence — 
countenance,  as  companion,  when  a member  of  the  mission  goes  out  among  the 
people,  and  at  other  times.”  When  this  has  been  so  well  known  at  Oroomiah 
for  years,  and  is  at  last  admitted  to  be  true,  I marvel  much  that  any  one  claiming 
to  have  information  on  the  subject  should  now  have  the  hardihood  to  " deny 
that  any  money  had  efer  been  paid  to  the  bishops  for  their  influence ; for  surely 
such  an  assertion  can  only  be  supported  by  the  logic  and  casuistry  of  Jesuitism,  or 
that  species  of  legal  honesty  by  which  inveterate  usurers  evade  the  letter  of  the 
law,  by  selling  an  article  with  their  money,  at  an  exorbitant  price.  The  small 
service,  when  latterly  there  was  any,  was  procured  along  with  the  large  influ- 
ence, and  the  best  way  is  frankly  to  admit  that  the  policy  of  the  mission  grad- 
ually diverged  into  error,  which  it  is  now  the  aim  and  purpose  of  all  concerned 
to  correct.  However  hard  it  may  be  for  the  executive  to  come  down  from  their 
dignified  position  of  Christian  infallibility,  and  acknowledge  that  they  for  once 
mistook  the  matter  in  some  of  their  decisions  relative  to  the  Nestorian  mission, 
yet  the  facts  will  stand  till  the  judgment,  and  then  at  least,  there  will  be  a re- 
vision before  an  impartial  tribunal. 

To  return  from  this  necessary  anticipation  of  events  and  statements, — in  pro- 
cess of  time  the  bishops  who  gave  lessons  in  Syriac  to  the  missionaries,  were  no 
more  wanted  for  this  purpose,  and  as  they  were  not  the  best  scholars  in  the  tribe, 
their  services  as  literary  helps  were  of  little  value.  As  superintendents  of  schools, 
their  aid  was  unimportant,  except  when  accompanying  the  brethren,  to  whose 
visits  for  school-inspection  and  preaching,  their  official  rank  and  influence  im- 
parted perhaps,  more  authority  and  effect.  In  short,  long  previous  to  their  vol- 
untary withdrawal,  the  influence,  which  the  bishops  in  various  ways  conceded 
to  the  mission,  was  the  principal  if  not  the  only  equivalent  they  rendered  for 
their  salaries.  This  system  of  policy  which  purchased  influence  by  such  means 
and  on  such  a large  scale,  threw  a conscientious  difficulty  in  the  way  of  several 
of  the  brethren,  who  thought  that  a plan  of  conciliation  so  essentially  mercenary 
was  unauthorized  by  the  Gospel,  and  as  has  been  stated  on  a preceding  page, 
one  of  our  number  left  the  mission  for  this  very  reason,  and  in  entire  accordance 
with  a standing  rule  of  the  Board,  returned  to  America. 

After  the  bishops  had  voluntarily  withdrawn  from  the  mission,  on  the  5th  of 
October,  1844,  although  Mar  Gabriel  did  not  so  clearly  relinquish  his  connec- 
tion, the  way  was  of  course  open  to  modify  the  policy  into  which  the  brethren 
had  been  gradually  drawn,  and  which  by  their  own  movement  only,  as  a party 
in  the  compact,  they  might  have  found  it  difficult  to  correct ; yet  when  the  bish- 
ops themselves  relinquished  the  arrangement,  the  mission  could  in  perfect  good 
faith  have  dropped  the^old  connection  altogether,  and  thenceforward  have  avoided 
measures  of  a decidedly  mercenary  and  temporizing  character.  Nearly  all  the 
mission  at  one  time  seemed  strongly  inclined  to  avail  themselves  of  tins  favora- 


61 


ble  opportunity  to  reform  the  policy  ; but  at  last,  when  this  test  question  of  our 
measures  on  restoring  the  bishops  to  their  former  standing  and  emolument  was 
decided,  four  of  the  seven  brethren  then  at  the  station,  voted  to  reinstate  the 
old  system. 

The  bishops  having  waited  in  vain  for  an  overture  from  the  mission,  after  a 
temporary  separation,  returned  and  proposed  themselves  to  have  the  past  disaf- 
fection mutually  cancelled,  and  to  resume  a cooperation  entirely  on  the  old  ba- 
sis and  conditions  of  their  former  connection  with  us.  The  question  came  be- 
fore the  mission  in  full  session,  on  the  14th  of  October,  and  after  much  discus- 
sion, a resolution  to  this  effect,  as  above  stated,  was  carried  by  the  casting  vote 
of  the  chairman  ; and  it  was  resolved  at  the  same  time  thattwo  separate  accounts 
of  this  whole  matter  should  be  prepared  and  sent  to  the  executive  of  the  Board, 
with  a view  to  their  decision  on  the  case,  and  Mr.  Perkins  and  myself  were  ap- 
pointed to  write  on  this  occasion.  I objected  to  my  own  appointment,  for  I 
was  apprehensive  that  the  executive,  from  the  manner  in  which  they  had  latter- 
ly appeared  to  view  my  letters,  might  not  receive  a communication  from  me  as 
well  as  from  another  ; however,  the  brethren  urged  the  point,  and  I at  length 
yielded,  and  on  the  15th  of  October,  1844,  wrote  a long  letter  to  Dr.  Anderson, 
from  which  I make  the  following  extracts. 

“ In  order  to  explain  the  nature  and  circumstances  of  the  late  withdrawal  of 
the  bishops,  it  is  necessary  to  recur  to  the  trouble  given  us  by  the  Nestorian 
patriarch’s  brothers  on  the  score  of  pecuniary  support.  You  have  been  inform- 
ed that  after  the  mission  had  appropriated  8175.00  to  that  family,  and  given 
them  to  understand  that  no  further  appropriation  would  be  made,  the  sum  of 
810.00,  as  the  bounty  of  individuals,  was  sent  them,  which  they  accepted,  and 
on  the  same  day,  though  living  in  a house  hired  for  them  by  the  mission,  they, 
July  3d,  assumed  an  attitude  of  decided  hostility  towards  us. 

“ From  that  time,  as  there  is  reason  to  believe,  excepting  perhaps  aged  Mar 
Elias,  who  is  rather  inefficient,  all  the  bishops  virtually  and  effectively  sided 
with  the  patriarchal  family,  represented  by  said  brothers,  against  the  mission  ; 
although,  sometimes  at  least,  as  we  have  been  assured  by  persons  connected 
with  us,  the  bishops  disputed  with  these  brothers  for  opposing  our  work. 

“ A few  days  after  this  rupture,  bishops  Yohannan  and  Elias,  and  priests 
Dunkha  and  Eeshoo,  in  the  character  of  a committee  on  behalf  of  those  brothers, 
proposed  and  urged  before  the  mission,  as  the  basis  of  accommodation  with  the 
patriarchal  family,  three  propositions,  which  in  substance  were  as  follows;  1st, 
That  the  translation  of  the  scriptures,  then  and  still  making,  be  from  the  Syriac 
version  alone,  as  they  would  not  receive  a translation  from  the  Hebrew  and 
Greek  : 2d,  That  no  tracts  or  other  books  should  be  circulated  ; and  that  the 
preaching  should  not  have  the  tendency  it  now  had  to  overthrow  Nestorian 
forms  and  opinions  ; 3d,  That  salaries  should  be  given  to  two  of  the  patriarch’s 
brothers.  This  last  proposition  was  the  hinge  of  the  whole,  and  it  was  dis- 


62 


linctly  understood,  that  if  the  mission  complied  in  things  temporal,  the  patri- 
archal family  would  be  very  obliging  in  spiritual  matters,  and  the  missionary 
work  here,  instead  of  being  arrested,  would  be  accelerated  by  the  whole  authori- 
ty and  influence  of  the  acknowledged  heads  of  the  people.  Mar  Yohannan  ex- 
pressly said  that  the  emolument  was  the  thing  wanted,  and  he  closed  the  whole 
argument  on  their  side  by  the  demand,  ‘ Give  vioney.' 

“ Had  the  mission  yielded  to  this  claim  and  given  two  of  those  brothers  six 
tomans  or  fifteen  dollars  each  per  month,  which  is  the  salary  of  bishops  Yohan- 
nan and  Gabriel,  no  one  doubts  that  instead  of  having  our  work  stopped  for  the 
last  three  months,  and  our  influence  with  the  people  marred  for  years,  the  whole 
of  our  operations  would  have  been  externally  prosperous  beyond  example.  * * 

“ Why  did  not  the  mission  yield  1 When  Mar  Gabriel  threatened  long  and  loud 
to  become  a Catholic,  and  opposed  the  operations  of  the  mission,  a nominal  of- 
fice was  found  for  him,  a watch  given  and  a salary  conferred,  which  last  spring 
was  increased,  on  the  specious  and  special  plea  of  bringing  him  under  a better 
influence  and  requiring  his  stay  on  the  mission  premises.  And  to  recover  one 
of  his  churches,  which,  there  is  good  reason  to  believe,  he  had  bargained  away 
to  French  Catholics,  the  mission  expended  about  seven  hundred  dollars  and  a 
great  amount  of  time  and  patience,  in  which  recovery  of  the  church,  believing 
it  a righteous  cause,  I took  deep  interest,  and  held  on  to  the  committee  on  that 
subject  till  the  current  of  events  obliged  me  to  resign. 

“ Deacon  Yoosif  of  Ardeshhhee,  the  man  named  in  Mr.  Holladay’s  late  vin- 
dication of  our  policy,  encouraged  doubtless  by  the  example  of  others  who  had 
threatened  the  mission,  hung  out  Catholic  colors,  and  brought  all  his  influence  to 
bear  on  arresting  our  work  in  his  village,  still  signifying  how  anxious  he  was  to 
be  our  friend  and  banish  the  Lazarists,  till  at  length  the  mission,  feeling  the 
great  need  of  his  influence  to  second  Mar  Gabriel,  allowed  him  about  §3.75  per 
month  with  which  he  was  little  satisfied,  complaining  that  a man  of  his  stand- 
ing should  have  more. 

“ This  deacon,  having  been  principally  responsible,  or  representing  himself  so, 
for  six  tom&ns  paid  in  behalf  of  the  village,  as  a present  to  the  Persian  sheriff  who 
redelivered  to  them  their  litigated  church,  urged  a demand  on  the  mission  for  the 
money.  The  claim  was  taken  up  in  full  and  regular  session,  and  decided  by  a 
majority  to  be  invalid  and  unjust ; yet  so  important  did  his  influence  and  coop- 
eration in  favor  of  his  own  bishop  and  people  appear,  that  a majority  of  the  mem- 
bers of  the  mission  being  at  Seir  informally  agreed  to  concede  the  demand,  al- 
though he  was  of  no  service  in  the  case  alluded  to.  * * * 

“ When  in  short,  according  to  a statement  made  about  a month  ago  in  a let- 
ter to  you,  by  Messrs.  Wright  and  Stocking,  “ all  the  bishops  and  most  of  the 
priests  and  deacons  on  the  plain  of  Oroomiah  have  been  employed,  and  paid  in 
such  a manner  as  to  make  it  for  their  pecuniary  interest  to  favor  the  operations 
of  the  mission,”  when  such  is  the  fact,  why  did  we  reject  the  patriarchal  family  ? 


63 


Mark  the  clause,  “ for  their  pecuniary  interest  to  favor  the  operations  of  the  mis- 
sion.”* After  quoting  several  examples  in  which  the  mission  had  been  not  a 
little  troubled  by  Nestorians  seeking  or  losing  a “ pecuniary  interest  ” with  us, 
and  inquiring  whether  the  Board  and  the  churches  would  sustain  a policy  of  this 
character  the  letter  proceeds : 

“ But  notwithstanding  the  inviting  aspect  of  this  policy,  are  we  sure  that  it  is, 
i after  all,  the  best,  the  heavenly  way  1 Is  it  the  way  the  Lord  of  missionaries 

[ took  to  convert  the  Jews  ? Would  not  places  and  pensions  have  brought  scribes 

1 and  pharisees,  priests  and  rulers,  with  Caiphas  himself  at  their  head,  to  favor  the 
f Redeemer’s  teaching?  and  would  Judas  have  sold  his  Master  for  thirty  pieces 
of  silver,  if  that  Master  from  His  infinite  treasures,  had  liberally  filled  Iscariot’s 
bag?  In  short,  had  Christ  made  His  kingdom  of  this  world,  would  He  ever, 
by  His  sufferings  and  death  have  redeemed  the  world?  It  behooved  Him  to  suf- 
fer; and  it  behooved  Him,  in  destroying  the  works  of  the  devil,  to  cross  worldly 
interests.  The  cross  He  bore  Himself,  He  bequeathed  to  His  apostles.  So  far 
as  the  sacred  record  goes,  they  never  offered  mercenary  inducements  to  men  of 
influence  in  order  to  gain  their  cooperation,  although  the  Gospel  then,  if  ever, 
needed  such  extraneous  aid.  * * * 

j “ To  work  by,  and  with,  and  in  the  name  of  the  bishops,  is  cautiously  to  in- 
culcate what  they  believe  in  common  with  us,  and  to  beware  of  trenching  on 
their  authority  and  venerated  forms.  Last  year  it  was  proposed  to  translate  and 
publish  Mr.  Dwight’s  Tract  on  Catholicism,  but  forasmuch  as  Peter  was  therein 
caused  to  take  a lower  seat  than  the  Pope  has  given  him,  the  whole  matter  was 
dropped,  after  some  progress  in  the  work  had  been  made,  because  to  have  printed 
it  would  have  roused  prejudice  and  excited  opposition.  And  in  reference  to 
Mr.  Bird’s  Tract  on  the  same  subject,  some  of  our  most  intelligent  priests  said 
I that  it  was  for  the  most  part  as  much  against  them  as  against  the  Catholics.” 

Other  reasons  were  urged  against  the  old  union  with  the  bishops  in  this  letter 
which  was  read  to  the  brethren,  and  I expressly  desired  them  to  correct  any 
statement  relative  to  fact,  which  might  be  erroneous,  and  as  all  admitted  that 
the  foregoing  account  was  true,  no  one  can  now  in  honesty  and  verity  deny  what 
I then  stated.  Although  the  executive  appeared  to  approve  my  position,  they  at 
the  same  time  seemed  to  blame  me  for  having  assumed  it.  They  instructed  the 
mission  to  pay  only  for  actual  service,  and  they  assigned  as  one  of  the  promi- 
nent reasons  for  my  recall,  the  fact  that  I had  differed  from  the  majority  of  my 
I colleagues  on  some  questions  of  missionary  policy,  although  my  dissent  never  led 
I to  an  infringement  of  the  decisions  either  of  the  mission  or  of  the  executive. 

Can  there  be  a clearer  case  of  persecution  for  conscience’  sake  than  where  an 

* Since  writing  the  above,  1 have  been  informed  that  the  sentence  quoted  from  Messrs. 

' Wright  and  Stocking’s  letter  was  somewhat  varied,  after  I saw  it,  at  Mr.  Perkins’  suggestion, 
though  the  general  statement,  and  the  clause  on  which  1 insist,  remained  substantially  or  iden- 
tically the  same. 


64 


individual  is  condemned,  not  for  holding  erroneous  views,  but  for  honestly  main- 
taining principles  admitted  to  be  right ; yet  opposing,  fairly  and  candidly,  a fa- 
vorite policy  or  favored  majority,  he  is  made  to  suffer  by  a virtually  irresponsi- 
ble executive,  the  highest  penalty  in  their  power  to  inflict.  And  as  injustice, 
however  unintentionally  committed,  is  prone  to  search  out  and  surmise  reasons 
to  sustain  its  aggressive  act,  it  is  no  wonder  that  in  cases  of  this  kind,  reproach 
should  thrust  aside  deserved  commendation,  and  that  even  calumnious  allega- 
tions should  grow  up  like  mushrooms  where  prejudice  and  ill-will  have  fixed 
their  dismal  shades.  As  an  illustration,  let  me  just  say  that  a member  of  the  ex- 
ecutive told  me  some  months  after  my  return,  that  he  understood  I had  reported 
that  “ sixty  thousand  dollars  had  been  given  in  presents  to  Persians”  by  the 
Nestorian  mission  ; and  he  or  others  so  far  credited  the  report  as  to  send  it  on 
the  wings  of  the  wind  to  Persia,  as  a sample  of  a recalled  missionary’s  state- 
ments. This  outrageous  falsehood,  with  other  calumnious  reports,  for  which  I 
never  furnished  the  least  foundation,  may  be  believed  by  ignorance  and  preju- 
dice, but  which  conscious  integrity  and  honest  uprightness  will  pity,  and  when 
most  inveterately  traduced,  will  only  despise.  As  to  the  tales  that  I have  been 
obstinate,  idle  and  useless  in  the  missionary  field,  I need  only  refer  to  the  testi- 
monials of  those  who  knew  me  well  in  Persia,  and  which  wflll  be  quoted  in  the 
proper  place,  to  show  that  such  aspersions,  by  whomsoever  uttered,  are  no  better 
than  downright  slanders. 

On  the  15th  of  November,  1844,  Dr.  Anderson  wrote  me  the  following  letter 
which,  excepting  the  address  and  conclusion,  I give  entire.  This  letter  was  re- 
ceived on  the  30th  of  January,  1845,  and  though  “ a little  more  than  three 
years  ” after  the  date  of  the  order  for  my  removal  to  Oroomiah,  yet  I had  at  the 
time  of  receiving  it,  actually  been  associated  with  the  Nestorian  mission  only 
two  years  and  four  months,  during  which  period  I had  labored  with  entire  con- 
formity to  their  directions. 

Dr.  Anderson  says,  “ You  write  us  but  seldom,  and  all  that  we  hear  leads  us 
to  suppose  that  it  is  the  Mohammedans,  and  not  the  Nestorians,  that  occupy 
your  time  and  attention.  I have  been  instructed  by  our  Committee  to  write  you 
frankly  on  the  subject,  with  a view  to  a full  understanding  between  us  and  you. 
Indeed  what  I am  about  to  write  you,  will  all  of  it  be  the  result  of  the  instruc- 
tions I have  received  from  that  body. 

“ It  is  now  a little  more  than  three  years,  since  1 communicated  to  you  the 
decision  of  the  Prudential  Committee  to  discontinue  the  Perso-Mohammedan 
mission  as  a distinct  and  separate  mission ; and  authorizing  you  to  connect 
yourself  with  the  Nestorian  mission  at  Oroomiah.  In  that  letter  liberty  was 
given  you  to  come  home;  but  a desire  was  expressed,  that  you  might  see  your 
way  clear  to  join  the  mission  at  Oroomiah  in  the  spring. 

“ Having  acrjuired  the  Persian  language,  and  being  still,  while  at  Oroomiah, 
surrounded  with  Persians,  it  was  not  supposed  that  you  would  lose  all  your  in- 


65 


terest  in  that  people ; and  it  was  supposed  that  you  would  naturally  take  the 
oversight  of  that  small  school  it  was  believed  the  peace  of  the  Nestorian  mis- 
sion required  should  be  kept  for  certain  Moslim  youth  in  that  district.  A few 
school  books  might  be  necessary ; and  it  was  thought  you  might  occasionally 
translate  from  Persian  into  English,  and  from  English  into  Persian,  in  order  to 
keep  up  your  familiarity  with  the  language,  besides,  at  the  same  time,  doing  good 
in  other  respects. 

“ But,  in  authorizing  you  to  join  the  Nestorian  mission,  it  was  taken  for 
granted  that,  in  case  you  did  this,  you  would  learn  the  language  of  the  Nestori- 
ans,  and  join  in  the  labors  of  the  other  brethren  for  the  religious  beneht  of  that 
people.  The  Committee  had  given  up  the  idea  of  prosecuting  a mission  to  the 
Persian  Mohammedans.  They  were  so  clear  and  decided  in  the  duty  of  turning 
aside  from  Mohammedan  Persia,  as  a field  of  labor  for  the  Board,  that  they  de- 
cided upon  the  step,  even  in  view  of  the  not  improbable  event  of  your  returning 
to  the  United  States.  They,  at  all  events,  ceased  to  regard  the  Mohammedans 
of  Persia  as  among  the  fields,  in  which  they  were  to  plant  a mission  ; and  they 
did  this  in  view  of  the  general  tenor  of  your  communications  for  the  five  years 
and  upwards  which  you  had  spent  in  that  country,  and  with  no  prospect  of  any 
new  light  for  years  to  come. 

“ In  consenting,  therefore,  to  your  joining  the  Nestorian  mission,  it  was  not 
with  the  expectation  that  you  would  continue  to  make  the  Mohammedans  your 
principal  object  of  attention  ; but  that  you  would  acquire  the  language  of  the 
Nestorians,  and  join  with  your  brethren  in  the  ordinary  labors  of  their  mission. 

I In  February  of  last  year,  in  consequence  of  suggestions  from  liberal  friends  in 
Scotland,  the  Committee  consented  to  your  translating  Dr.  Keith’s  ‘ Evidence  of 
Prophecy  ’ into  Persian,  provided  the  mission  believed  it  was  expedient  for  you 
1 to  perform  the  work  ; but,  in  June  of  that  year,  the  Committee  decided  against 
I employing  the  funds  of  the  Board  in  printing  in  the  Persian  language.  At  the 
commencement  of  the  present  year,  being  myself  in  the  Levant  on  an  official 
! visit  to  the  missions,  I remarked  to  the  mission  in  a letter  — in  view  of  one  of 
' their  late  communications  recommending  that  a peace  offering*  of  a school  book 
be  made  to  the  Persians  of  Oroomiah  — that  I felt  at  liberty  to  authorize  the 
printing  of  the  school  book  in  question,  in  case  there  were  money  at  command 
, for  that  purpose.  All  this,  however,  was  in  perfect  consistency  with  the  views 
, of  your  relations  and  duties,  as  stated  above. 

; “ This  also  I ought  in  frankness  to  say,  that  if  you  are  laboring  for  the  good 

of  the  Musulmans,  you  have  not  furnished  the  Committee  with  the  evidence  of 
your  activity  even  in  that  department.  To  their  inquiries  on  this  point,  you 
I have  not  enabled  me,  as  your  official  organ  of  communication  with  them,  to  fur- 
I nish  any  satisfactory  reply.  Yet,  from  such  information  as  we  can  get,  we  sup- 
i pose,  as  I stated  at  the  outset,  that  what  you  do  is  chiefly  (if  not  wholly)  as  if 

* This  phrase  by  no  means  conveys  a correct  view  of  the  matter. 

9 


66 


your  mission  was  to  the  Mohammedans,  and  not  to  the  Nestorians.  You  will  of 
course  correct  any  misapprehensions,  into  which  we  may  have  fallen. 

“ In  the  circumstances,  the  Committee  have  been  perplexed  to  know  what  to 
say  to  you.  If  they  speak  under  a mistaken  apprehension  of  the  facts,  and  thus 
do  you  some  injustice,  you  must  recollect  how  little  you  have  written  them  since 
you  removed  to  Oroomiah.  They  think  it  proper  to  say,  however,  that  if  your 
learning  the  Nestorian  language  is  out  of  the  question,  as  also  (which  would  fol- 
low of  course)  your  taking  an  active  and  interested  part  in  the  labors  of  the 
Nestorian  mission,  (properly  so  called,)  the  Committee  would  advise  your  return 
to  the  United  States.  They  do  not  think  it  proper  to  authorize  your  remaining 
there,  with  any  expectation  of  a mission  being  instituted  for  the  Persian  Moham- 
medans, nor  can  they  encourage  such  an  expectation. 

“ You  will  not  consider  this  advice  as  implying  a censure  upon  you.  It  is 
hypothetical ; and  even  if  the  hypothesis  be  well  founded,  your  statements  and 
explanations,  yet  to  be  received,  may  show  that  the  facts  in  the  case  have  not 
been  wholly  within  your  control. 

“I  ought  to  add,  that  it  has  come  to  our  knowledge,  in  consequence  of  Mr. 
Jones’  application  to  return  home,  that  you  do  not  concur  with  the  greater  num- 
ber of  your  brethren  in  the  mission,  as  to  the  course  of  measures  which  is  best 
adapted  to  promote  tbe  objects  of  the  Nestorian  mission.  This — on  the  hy- 
pothesis above  stated  as  to  the  facts — must  dispose  you  to  follow  the  advice  now 
given ; as  it  certainly  increases  the  impression,  on  the  part  of  the  Committee, 
that  it  would  be  wise  for  you  so  to  do.  I mean,  of  course,  if  we  have  the  facts 
correctly,  as  we  have  reason  to  suppose  we  have. 

“ And  now.  Dear  Brother,  you  will  receive  this  communication  kindly,  as  its 
only  object  is  to  discharge  a duty  which  seems  to  devolve  upon  me.  I have 
aimed  to  be  explicit,  because  I would  not  be  misunderstood,  and  tbe  distance 
of  Oroomiah  is  great — too  great — and  time  is  too  short,  not  to  bring  the  case 
at  once  to  its  merits  and  bearings.  You  will  of  course  know  what  the  facts  are, 
and  you  will  take  pleasure,  as  you  certainly  will  the  pains,  to  remove  from  us  all 
misapprehensions.  If  we  can  do  anything  more  than  we  have  done,  consistent- 
ly with  our  other  relations  and  duties,  to  increase  your  usefulness,  we  will  glad- 
ly do  it,  if  we  can  know  what  it  is. 

“ A report  has  reached  us  that  Mrs.  Merrick  has  gone  to  England,  but,  as 
we  did  not  hear  of  it  from  Oroomiah,  the  report  may  not  be  well  founded.  If 
she  is*  with  you,  I beg  to  be  kindly  remembered  to  her.  I suppose  her  to  be  a 
great  sufferer  from  disease,  but  trust  she  has  daily  experience  that  it  is  good  to 
be  afflicted,  especially  when  we  may  trace  our  pains  directly  to  the  good  hand  of 
the  Lord.” 

My  reply  to  the  foregoing  letter  was  dated  ‘ 31  January  1845,’  and  forwarded 
by  tbe  first  opportunity ; and  omitting  address,  it  is  proper  to  present  it  en- 
tire as  follows. 

“ Your  letter  of  November  15th  1844,  arrived  yesterday.  Although  past  ex- 


67 


perience  had  not  led  me  to  expect  the  cordial  support  and  sympathy  of  the  Com- 
mittee in  my  labors,  yet  I confess  the  character  of  the  letter  now  before  me, 
was  somewhat  surprising.  However  guarded  the  expressions  may  be,  I am  vir- 
tually impeached  with  a violation  of  instructions,  want  of  fidelity  even  in  the 
Persian  department  of  labor,  and  with  having  opposed  the  general  policy  of  this 
mission.  To  each  of  these  charges  I shall  frankly  reply,  and  trust  you  and  the 
Committee  will  give  me  a candid  hearing. 

“ In  regard  to  having  violated  the  instructions  of  the  Committee,  I beg  to 
remind  you  that  when  unexpectedly  I was  ordered  to  Oroomiah  with  the  alter- 
native of  leaving  Persia,  I hesitated  not  to  comply,  however  great  the  personal 
sacrifice  may  have  been.  In  your  letter  of  October  20th  1841,  in  reference  to 
my  joining  the  Nestorian  mission,  you  say  to  me,  “ you  do  not  abandon  Persia, 
nor  the  Mohammedans  of  Persia.”  And  in  your  letter  just  received,  you  ac- 
knowledge that  I was  expected  to  sustain,  so  far  as  circumstances  rendered  it 
expedient,  a Persian  department  at  this  mission.  When  I joined  the  Nestorian 
mission,  I was  engaged  in  modifying  and  translating  an  astronomical  work  into 
Persian.  The  mission  naturally  took  no  order  in  reference  to  a matter  in  great 
forwardness  before  I joined  them,  and  which,  so  far  as  I know,  all  approved. 
After  that  work,  which  cost  no  small  amount  of  labor,  was  completed,  by  the 
concurrence  and  advice  of  the  mission,  I began  to  compile  and  translate  a geog- 
raphy, and  had  proceeded  some  way  when  I received  a letter  from  our  respected 
friend  the  Rev.  William  Glen,  urging  me  to  translate  Keith’s  Evidence  of  Proph- 
ecy into  Persian.  Having  submitted  this  matter  to  my  colleagues,  the  follow- 
ing entry  was  made  in  our  Records,  under  date  of  February  27,  1843;  namely, 

“ It  was  resolved,  that  the  mission  concur  in  the  suggestion  of  the  Rev. 
William  Glen,  that  it  is  desirable  to  have  “ Keith’s  Evidence  of  Prophecy” 
translated  into  Persian,  and  that  we  recommend  to  the  Prudential  Committee  of 
the  A.  B.  C.  F.  M.  that  they  authorize  Rev.  James  L.  Merrick  to  make  the 
translation.” 

“ Of  this  resolution  you  were  duly  informed,  having  previously  to  the  recep- 
ception  of  my  letter  authorized  me  to  undertake  the  work,  provided  this  mis- 
sion thought  it  expedient.  I have  accordingly  labored  on  it  till  now,  having  made 
a pretty  literal  translation  of  the  20th  Edinburgh  edition  as  far  as  the  375th 
page,  and  revised  with  considerable  abridgment  to  page  333.  You  indeed  ex- 
pressed the  opinion  that  I ought  to  undertake  this  work  as  a secondary  business, 
j but  I frankly  told  the  mission  that  with  the  limited  amount  of  health  and  ability 
which  I possessed,  it  would  be  impossible  for  me  to  translate  a book  of  this  size 
and  difficulty  without  much  time  and  pains.  I appeal  to  any  competent  unbi- 
assed judge  to  say  whether  or  not  it  is  reasonable  to  authorize  the  undertaking 
of  a work,  and  so  restrict  the  means  of  its  e.xecution  that  it  cannot  be  done  in  a 
proper  manner  or  within  a proper  time.  Do  you  know  how  long  members  of 
this  mission  have  been  laboring  on  the  Syriac  New  Testament,  and  how  much 
native  assistance  they  have  had,  when  the  version  is  made  from  a kindred  dia- 


6S 


lect  in  the  same  character '!  and  can  you  soberly  suppose  that  1 can  translate 
the  volume  before  me  at  odd  hours  when  exhausted  by  other  occupations.  They 
have  a saying  in  Persia,  which  however  is  too  little  regarded  in  most  countries, 
namely,  “ Equity  is  a good  thing”  As  I have  conformed  to  the  orders  of  the 
Committee  and  the  resolutions  of  this  mission,  I pass  to  the  next  topic. 

“ The  second  general  charge  contained  in  your  letter  is  that  ‘ I have  not  fur- 
nished the  Committee  with  the  evidence  of  my  activity  even  in  the  Persian  de- 
partment.’ Yet  you  have  been  informed,  it  I mistake  not,  that  I have  spent 
much  time  and  labor  on  a Tract  in  vindication  of  Christianity ; that  I have 
translated,  revised  and  rerevised  a book  on  Astronomy  ; and  that  I was  employ- 
ed in  translating  the  Evidence  of  Prophecy  which  I now  announce  to  be  in  great 
forwardness.  However  flattering  your  apparent  assumption  that  I can  translate 
books  with  very  great  facility,  the  honest  fact  is,  that  hard  work  and  perseverance 
only  enable  me  to  advance  at  a snail’s  pace,  and  on  this  subject  I again  appeal 
to  the  intelligent  and  impartial  decision  of  those  conversant  in  these  matters, 
whether  an  allegation  on  such  facts  bears  most  on  its  author  or  object.  Of 
what  use  is  it  to  inform  you  quarterly  that  I have  reached  such  a page  ; if  you 
have  not  confidence  in  my  fidelity  in  iabor,  you  should  remember  that  I am  sur- 
rounded by  brethren  who  ought  in  duty  to  the  cause  of  missions  to  report  culpa- 
ble negligence.  Have  you  received  from  any  quarter,  information  that  I am 
noted  here  for  sloth,  remissness  in  ordinary  and  special  duties,  trifling  occupa- 
tions, or  even  for  necessary  recreation  ? A charge  of  unfaithfulness,  though  made 
conditionally,  is  of  so  grave  a nature  that,  in  my  opinion,  it  should  be  accompa- 
nied by  some  substantial  evidence.  However  imperfect,  unsuccessful,  and  un- 
worthy my  feeble  efforts  may  have  been,  yet,  according  to  the  grace  and  strength 
given  to  me,  I have  honestly  and  steadily  aimed  to  do  my  duty,  and  when  a case 
of  delinquency  is  advanced,  it  will  then  be  time  to  rebut  it. 

“ But  instead  of  being  wholly  employed  in  the  Persian  department,  a consider- 
able portion  of  my  time  has  been  actually  devoted,  chiefly  in  various  business 
matters,  to  the  Nestorian  cause.  I have  stated  to  my  brethren,  that  some  of 
these  drafts  on  my  time,  by  delaying  the  completion  of  my  regular  work,  might 
bring  on  me  the  charge  of  dilatoriness,  but  it  has  been  replied  that  the  fact 
would  be  understood,  so  that  the  apprehension  has  been  realized  sooner  than  I 
expected. 

“ In  December  1842,  a class  of  Nestorian  boys  was  formed  to  study  Persian, 
of  which  I had  the  supervision,  but  it  was  finally  broken  up  about  the  time  of 
the  religious  excitement  among  the  natives  a year  ago.  In  this  connection  I 
embrace  the  opportunity  to  say  that,  in  my  opinion,  there  never  has  been  here 
a reasonable  and  substantial  desire  on  the  part  of  the  Persians  to  have  a school 
for  their  express  benefit.  Perhaps  their  general  motive  and  impression  on  this 
subject  could  not  better  be  set  forth  than  in  a remark  made  to  me  by  a Khan,* 


* Khan  is  a Persian  title  of  rank, — a noble. 


69 


not  half  an  hour  before  the  arrival  of  your  letter,  in  which  he  said,  ‘ A number 
have  inquired  of  me  if  those  gentlemen  will  give  money  in  order  to  teach  us ; 
if  they  will  take  us  to  them.’  He  added,  ‘ The  people  suppose  jewels  are  pour- 
ed out  here,  [at  the  mission]  and  that  whoever  pleases  may  load  himself  with 
them.’  Mercenary  motives  are  very  prevalent  and  general  in  this  land,  and 
prompted  by  them,  the  most  plausible  things  are  urged  upon  the  missionary’s  at- 
tention. If  such  is  the  fact,  you  may  ask,  of  what  use  is  it  to  prepare  Persian 
‘ school-books  :’  I answer,  to  be  read  and  used  by  intelligent  Persians,  and  by 
the  influence  of  a few,  and  the  slow  process  of  a new  formation,  to  introduce 
Western  views  of  science  and  truth.  By  authority  of  the  mission,  I had  a copy 
of  my  Astronomy  neatly  written,  and  forwarded  to  His  Royal  Highness,  Bah- 
m&n  Meerza,  Prince-Governor  of  Azerbayjan,  and  I have  been  assured  that  he 
had  it  transcribed  and  sent  to  the  Shah.* 

“ I think  a good  summary  of  Geography  a very  desirable  work  for  Persia,  as 
it  would  furnish  a solid  fulcrum  from  which  to  operate  on  their  religion.  I 
have  thought  that  should  I be  spared  and  enabled  to  compile  such  a work,  my 
way  would  then  be  more  plain  to  turn  what  little  strength  and  ability  I have  to 
the  acquisition  of  Syriac,  if  providential  circumstances  called  for  it.  But  it  seems 
the  Committee  allow  no  grace  in  this  matter.  A synopsis  of  Ecclesiastical  His- 
tory, and  the  cardinal  differences  between  Christian  sects  is  frequently  called  for 
in  Persia,  in  the  shape  of  questions  about  Catholics  and  others.  Our  creeds, 
our  faith,  our  hopes  for  futurity,  are  subjects  on  which  information  is  now  want- 
ed by  Persians  who  come  in  contact  with  Europeans,  and  much  more  than  the 
life  and  labor  of  one  man  is  needed  to  prepare  the  path  of  truth  in  Persia. 

“ I am  aware  that  argument  and  entreaty  on  this  subject  is  only  labor  lost  on 
minds  resolutely  prepared  to  sustain  their  own  preferences.  I claim  the  privi- 
lege however,  of  entertaining  an  opinion  on  this  point,  and  declare,  that,  in  my 
humble  judgment,  you  and  many  others  at  home,  err  in  unduly  magnifying  one 
field  and  depreciating  another,  according  to  apparent  promise,  and  in  particular, 
that  your  expectations  respecting  the  Nestorians  have  been,  and  still  are,  far 
more  sanguine  than  the  real  state  of  the  case  has  warranted.  The  Persian  mis- 
sion has  been  quite  thrown  aside ; because,  according  to  your  letter,  my  com- 
munications have  been  so  unfavorable.  It  is  evident  that  a picture  to  be  wel- 
come and  efficient  beyond  the  great  water  should  be  well  illuminated  with  con- 
fident hopes  and  cheering  expectations  of  early  promise.  But  these  things  ap- 
pear to  me  ill  calculated  in  the  long  run,  and  a very  long  run  I believe  it  will 
be,  to  promote  and  carry  on  the  evangelization  of  the  world. 

“ This  leads  me  to  notice  the  third  general  allegation  alleged  against  me, 
namely,  that  I have  opposed  the  policy  of  this  mission.  This  charge,  like  the 
others,  is  unaccompanied  by  specifications.  You  say  that,  ‘ it  has  come  to  your 
knowledge,  in  consequence  of  Mr.  Jones’  application  to  return  home,  that  I do 


King  of  Persia. 


70 


not  concur  with  the  greater  number  of  my  brethren  in  the  mission,  as  to  the 
course  of  measures  which  is  best  adapted  to  promote  the  objects  of  the  Nestorian 
mission.’  I know  not  who  may  have  directly  or  indirectly,  intentionally  or  in- 
advertently, communicated  to  you  such  information,  but  I must  say,  hitherto  I 
have  been  simple  enough  to  suppose  that,  entertaining  an  honest,  conscientious 
opinion  on  matters  in  which  I was  called  to  act,  was  not  an  iniquity  to  be  pun- 
ished by  the  judges.  I am  aware  that  it  is  inconvenient,  as  well  as  very  unde- 
sirable in  other  respects  that  there  should  be  difference  of  views  in  any  commu- 
nity, especially  in  a mission,  and  for  ages  so  convinced  of  this  fact  have  been 
both  the  Emperor  and  the  Pope  that  they  have  aimed  to  bring  the  whole  moral 
machinery  of  the  world  under  the  unclogged  action  of  a single  will.  More  lib- 
eral institutions  have  endeavored  to  manage  this  difficulty  by  a majority,  while 
in  all  communities  of  this  class,  so  far  as  I know,  it  is  understood  that  an  hon- 
est opinion,  though  unfortunately  in  the  minority,  is  yet  entitled  to  toleration. 

“ I hope  my  colleagues  will  do  me  the  justice  to  allow,  that,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  a few  subjects  granted  to  be  important,  I have  generally  coincided  in 
their  views,  and  never  intentionally  manifested  discourtesy  and  disrespect,  where 
unhappily  my  sentiments  differed  from  the  majority,  or  in  any  instance,  wilfully 
violated  a regular  decision  of  the  mission.  If  I have  inadvertently,  in  any  case, 
exceeded  the  bounds  of  mutual  privilege,  I most  sincerely  regret  it,  but  if  I 
have  only  candidly  and  fairly  advocated  measures  with  a cordial  desire  to  pro- 
mote the  cause  of  truth  and  righteousness,  I then  declare  myself  ready  to  abide 
the  consequences  of  such  a course,  and  am  willing  to  join  issue  before  an  im- 
partial tribunal.  The  whole  ‘ head  and  front  of  my  offending,’  under  this  cate- 
gory, if  I mistake  not,  is  sufficiently  detailed  in  my  letter  addressed  to  you  last 
October,  and  written  at  the  direction  of  the  mission,  and  for  facts  on  this  subject, 
I beg  to  refer  you  to  that  communication.  It  so  turns  out,  however,  if  I under- 
stand your  letter  received  last  month,  that  the  Prudential  Committee  would  have 
voted  unanimously  as  I did  on  the  important  subjects  alluded  to,  and  conse- 
quently had  they  been  here,  I should  not  have  been  left  in  an  ungracious  minor- 
ity. I have  conscientiously  endeavored  to  do  my  duty,  and  meet  every  question 
fairly  in  the  trying  circumstances  of  the  last  eight  or  nine  months,  and  in  point 
of  principle  on  this  matter,  I have  nothing  to  retract,  and  no  new  pledges  to  offer 
for  the  future. 

“ The  general  conclusion  from  the  whole  scope  of  your  letter,  if  I under- 
stand it,  is,  that,  ‘ the  Committee  would  advise  me  to  return  to  the  United  States.’ 
This  advice  is  immediately  based  on  the  supposition  that,  ‘my  learning  the  Nes- 
torian language  is  out  of  the  question,’  but  the  drift  of  your  letter,  I apprehend, 
occupies  wider  ground.  This  is  the  third  time  that  intimation  or  direct  permis- 
sion has  opened  the  door  for  my  return,  and  were  I sustained  by  your  funds  and 
bound  solely  by  your  engagements  personally,  I could  not  have  needed  such  re- 
peated suggestions  to  dissolve  our  connection.  But  while  I uniformly  render 
you  all  that  deference  to  which  your  official  and  personal  character  so  justly  en- 


71 


titles  you,  in  my  whole  missionary  anticipations  and  experience,  I have  acknow- 
ledged and  do  still  recognize  on  the  great  subject  of  Missions,  a higher  author- 
ity than  can  pertain  to  any  merely  human  institutions.  In  your  letter  respecting 
Mr.  Jones’  withdrawal,  you  say,  in  substance,  that  you  and  the  Committee  do 
not  see  how  his  return  is  to  be  justified  before  God.  I affectionately  ask  you,  if 
you  see  how  my  return  is  to  be  justified  at  the  same  righteous  tribunal.  Many 
things,  in  my  opinion,  however,  may  be  much  more  easily  justified  before  God 
than  before  men,  because  He  discriminates  perfectly  in  cases  where  men  decide 
in  ignorance  or  prejudice. 

“ If  life  and  health  are  continued,  I believe  that  my  learning  the  Nestorian 
language  is  by  no  means  out  of  the  question,  provided  it  be  wise  for  me  to  at- 
tempt it.  At  present  the  Nestorian  mission  wants  little  more  than  the  language 
of  prayer  ; and  is  it  not  extraordinary  that  you  should  make  my  connection  with 
the  Board  turn  on  my  acquisition  of  Syriac  at  such  a juncture  which  was  evi- 
dently not  improbable  to  your  mind,  in  proof  of  which  please  recur  to  your  let- 
ter to  the  mission  accompanying  your  favor  to  me.  When  most  of  the  operations 
of  the  mission  are  suspended  and  its  existence  threatened,  is  it  wise  or  kind,  for 
you  and  the  Committee  to  make  the  study  of  Syriac  a ‘ sine  qua  non,’*  when 
for  aught  you  know,  or  we  to  this  very  day  can  tell,  before  the  Nestorian  babe 
of  yesterday  has  learned  to  stammer  its  mother  tongue,  Syriac  may  be  of  little 
use  to  any  of  us  in  preaching  the  Gospel.  I trust  Dr.  Wright,  now  at  Tebreez, 
will  be  able  to  settle  present  difficulties,  but  unfortunately  for  us,  our  protectors 
are  too  powerful.  The  Russian  Embassy  even,  at  Constantinople,  as  I am  in- 
formed, thinks  ‘ it  is  in  possession  of  facts  proving  that  our  mission  employs 
bribery and  here  among  the  Nestorians,  humanly  speaking,  we  are  in  the  state 
of  a ship  that  has  lost  her  best  anchors  and  is  drifting  before  the  gale  uncertain 
of  a haven.  When  Messrs.  Perkins  and  Stocking  started  for  Tehran,t  I re- 
quested them  in  the  event  of  the  mission  being  banished,  to  ask  Colonel  Shiel, 
the  British  Ambassador,  if  he  would  protect  me  personally  at  Tebreez,  which  I 
was  not  without  hopes  he  would  do  as  a favor. 

“ Such  are  the  times  in  which  I am  peremptorily  required  to  leave  my  quiet, 
unobstructed  work,  and  learn  Syriac  or  quit  the  country.  I appeal  to  your  can- 
did judgment,  I appeal  to  unbiassed  Christians  everywhere,  if  such  an  order,  in 
such  circumstances,  is  reasonable,  and  if  the  natural  inference  is  not,  that  the 
motive  dictating  the  requirement  is  a wish  for  a dissolution  of  our  present  rela- 
tions. If  this  is  your  object,  as  a party  virtually  impeached  by  the  Committee, 
I am  entitled  to  know  the  reasons.  Were  I to  return  in  present  circumstances, 
when  friends  of  missions  ask  me,  why  have  you  abandoned  your  field?  what 
shall  I answer?  You  may  perhaps  explain  your  letter  very  differently  from  what 

* Indispensable. 

t In  Nov.  1844  — to  convince  the  Authorities  of  our  not  proselyting  — a French  official 
agent  at  Tehran  having  procured  us  trouble  on  a charge  of  doing  it. 


72 


I understand  it.  I have  been  informed  that  a late  member  of  the  Syrian  mission 
wrote  you  respecting  his  scruples  on  some  matter  touching  the  policy  of  that 
mission,  and  that  you  replied,  if  such  were  his  views  he  had  better  return  ; and 
on  his  doing  so  the  Committee  declined  giving  him  an  honorable  discharge.  I 
cannot  at  present  quote  authorities  for  this  statement ; such  is  the  general  im- 
pression I have  received,  and  you  will  know  how  far  it  is  conformable  to  fact. 

“ In  your  letter  before  me,  and  I thank  you  sincerely  for  the  kindness,  you 
offer  to  favor  my  future  usefulness,  but  I do  not  know  what  or  how  much  is  im- 
plied by  the  remark.  Mr.  Jones  was  remonstrated  with  by  some  of  his  corre- 
spondents for  leaving  the  mission  in  a season  of  difference  and  difficulty,  and  the 
Committee  censure  his  course,  while  I am  virtually  recommended  to  follow  his 
example.  I do  not  wish  to  leave  the  mission  in  its  difficulties,  or  to  give  up  all 
efforts  for  Persia  as  hopeless. 

“ After  serious  reflection  and  prayer  for  guidance,  I have  come  to  the  con- 
clusion that  it  is  my  duty,  under  present  circumstances,  respectfully  to  decline 
your  invitation  to  return  home.  I am  aware  that  you  have  the  power  perempto- 
rily to  recall  me  for  having  been  too  devoted  to  the  people  of  my  choice  ; and 
that  I may  be  regarded  as  an  unworthy,  unsuccessful,  and  unfaithful  missionary 
who  for  more  than  ten  years  has  burdened  the  cause  of  missions ; but  while  I 
have  a conscience  void  of  offence,  though  acknowledging  great  imperfectibn,  I 
shall  not  despair  of  the  mercy  of  my  Lord. 

“ You  complain  that  I have  written  you  too  little  since  my  residence  at  Oroo- 
miah.  I believe  I have  not  failed  in  reporting  such  matters  as  you  were  inter- 
ested to  know,  and  I should  have  been  happy  to  have  communicated  more  had  I 
thought  it  would  have  been  welcome  or  useful.  I cannot  write  flattering  ac- 
counts when  I am  confident  the  real  state  of  the  case  will  not  sustain  the  im- 
pressions conveyed.  And  I appeal  to  you  if  unfavorable  accounts  are  welcome 
and  in  due  proportion  published  at  home.  The  Church  has  much  to  learn  and 
much  to  bear  on  this  subject  ere  she  becomes  universal. 

“ I could  indeed  send  you  from  time  to  time  sketches  and  sayings  that  might 
please  friends,  though  perhaps  in  the  end  do  little  to  promote  the  cause  of  truth. 
For  example,  and  I say  it  at  the  imminent  risk  of  being  considered  ‘ a fool  in 
glorying,’  I lately  received  a letter  from  Mr.  R.  of  the  British  Embassy  at 
Tehran,  and  in  which  alluding  to  his  putting  up  and  presenting  to  the  Shtlh,  in 
our  name,  the  stove  ordered  for  his  Persian  Majesty,  he  remarks,  ‘ I was  highly 
pleased  to  hear  the  King  inquire  after  you  in  particular.  He  said  very  plainly, 
on  my  telling  him  the  stove  was  presented  by  the  American  missionaries  at  Oroo- 
miah, — ‘One  of  them  is  Mr.  Merrick,  and  he  is  a very  good  man  — knowing 
God  — a possessor  of  religion  — a master  of  science,  and  a very  good  man.’ 
[Literally  translated  from  the  Persian.]  Mr.  R.  assented  and  remarked  that, 
‘ all  the  missionaries  at  Oroomiah  were  good  men.’  The  Shah  rejoined,  ‘ That 
is  evident.’  Such  oriental  gems,  set'  may  be  made  to  appear  at  home 


73 


‘ like  apples  of  gold  in  pictures  of  silver.’  I certainly  thank  the  Sh&h  for  his 
compliment  unprompted  by  occasion,  but  even  royal  pearls,  fresh  from  the  shell 
of  ‘ the  gorgeous  East,’  will  hardly  bear  a voyage  across  the  Atlantic.  If  there 
be  first  a ready  mind,  it  is  easy  to  deceive  ourselves  and  others,  till  reality  is  lost 
in  romance,  and  faith  confounded  with  fanaticism. 

“ In  acknowledging  that  I have  sometimes  fallen  into  the  minority,  I ought 
perhaps  in  candor  to  have  stated  that  a short  time  since  on  the  question  of  trans- 
lating and  printing  the  Syriac  New  Testament  from  the  ancient  version,  and  not 
from  the  original  Greek,  I was  left  alone  in  the  decision.  A few  days  afterwards 
however,  your  letter  on  the  subject  was  accidentally  turned  up,  by  which  the 
Committee  positively  require  that  it  should  be  from  the  Greek,  so  that  however 
in  the  minority  here,  I am  in  the  majority  with  you,  and  I flatter  myself  this 
would  generally  be  the  case  if  we  stood  on  the  same  ground.  As  this  subject 
is  to  be  urged  on  your  reconsideration,  I will  briefly  say  that,  in  ray  humble 
opinion,  we  ought  not,  in  contradiction  to  the  original  Greek,  to  publish  a New 
Testament  teaching  Episcopacy ; and  further,  I believe  that  a true  reading,  if  in 
the  margin,  may,  by  designing  men,  be  made  the  basis  of  an  overwhelming 
charge  against  us,  just  as  readily  as  if  found  in  the  text,  so  that  all  we  should 
gain  by  the  expedient  would  be  the  imputation  of  an  underhanded  attack  on 
; Nestorianism. 

“ Please  accept  my  best  thanks  for  your  kind  remembrance  of  Mrs.  Merrick, 
who  having  accompanied  Mr.  Jones  and  family  to  Smyrna,  reached  home  after 
a very  rough  voyage  on  the  19th  of  November. 

“ And  now,  dear  brother,  farewell.  I have  written  candidly,  but  trust  I shall 
; not  be  judged  unkindly. 

j “ Wishing  you  and  the  Committee,  and  all  my  respected  fathers  and  brethren 
I at  home,  the  best  blessings,  I remain, 

i Yours  very  sincerely  and  respectfully, 

J.  L.  Merrick.” 

I might  add  much  on  various  points  contained  or  suggested  by  the  two  pre- 
ceding letters,  but  the  magnitude  to  which  this  narrative  is  growing  admonishes 
me  to  omit  everything  not  essential  to  a correct  understanding  of  the  case ; there 
is  one  thing,  however,  to  which  I ought  surely  to  call  attention,  namely,  the^rf- 
vate  information  sent  to  the  executive  respecting  my  dissent  from  certain  views 
1 entertained  by  the  majority  of  the  mission.  I have  since  learned  more  about 
this  secret  intelligence,  but  I here  only  appeal  to  the  common  sense  of  all  unbi- 
1 assed  Protestants,  if  clandestine  information  against  a missionary  should  be  acted 
upon  by  an  executive,  while  the  party  accused  is  allowed  no  opportunity  for  self- 
defence.  In  point  of  principle  wherein  does  such  a proceeding  differ  from  the 
espionage  and  arbitrary  decisions  of  the  most  determined  Jesuitism  that  ever 
harassed  humanity  and  put  religion  herself  to  torture. 

It  was  now  evident  that  my  position  as  a missionary  of  the  Board  had  become 
critical ; but  I could  not  believe,  conscious  as  I was  of  having  uniformly  aimed  to 

do  my  duty,  that  the  executive  would  proceed  to  the  extreme  use  of  official  pow- 
10 


74 


er,  at  least,  before  receiving  a syllable  from  me  in  explanation  and  self  defence  ; 
but  from  hints  subsequently  brought  to  my  notice,  I found  that  certain  members 
of  the  mission  concjuded  they  had  reason  to  think  otherwise.  I commenced 
the  study  of  Syriac  diligently,  though  with  a feeling  that  I was  thereby  with- 
drawn from  more  pressing  duties.  I was  sensible  that  I should  be  cautious  in 
my  movements  and  in  my  letters  to  the  executive,  but  could  not  compromise  my 
convictions  of  truth  and  justice,  while  communicating  facts  and  reflections,  which 
it  appeared  to  me,  candor  and  duty  to  the  cause  required. 

On  the  19th  of  April,  1845,  I addressed  a letter  to  Dr.  Anderson  on  my  own 
individual  responsibility,  which  I took  it  for  granted  any  missionary  of  the  Board 
was  entitled  to  do.  This  letter,  according  to  a standing  rule  in  the  Nestorian 
mission,  was  read  to  the  brethren,  and  no  objection  having  been  made,  it  was 
duly  forwarded.  Although  this  letter  was  sent  confidentially  to  the  executive 
with  no  expectation  whatever,  that  it  would  be  published  by  them,  yet  some  of 
my  colleagues  became  so  much  excited  on  the  subject,  that  at  length  a counter 
letter  was  prepared,  and,  after  various  modifications,  was  signed  by  five  of  the 
then  seven  members  of  the  mission.  How  far  their  letter  was  suited  or  intend- 
ed to  affect  my  continuance  in  the  field,  I do  not  now  say ; I was  informed  how- 
ever, that  one  of  the  brethren,  on  being  asked  if  he  did  not  think  their  letter 
would  procure  my  recall,  was  silent,  and  thus  appeared  to  assent  to  the  proba- 
bility of  such  a result ; while  another  expressed  an  opinion  that  the  question  of 
my  recall  would  be  settled  before  said  letter  could  reach  the  executive.  Probr 
ably  individuals  had  some  ground  for  such  conjectures  and  already  antici- 
pated the  effect  of  the  secret  information.  Since  the  special  trouble  with  the 
bishops,  and  especially  for  a short  period  in  the  winter  and  spring  of  1845,  my 
views  and  course  seemed  interpreted  with  less  charity  than  usual  by  some  of  my 
colleagues,  but  of  these  late  trials  the  executive  were  of  course  utterly  ignorant, 
and  consequently  any  temporary  excitement  at  this  juncture  had  necessarily  no 
influence  whatever  on  decisions  already  recorded  at  the  Missionary  House.  Du- 
ring all  this  time  I took  particular  pains  faithfully  and  kindly  to  discharge  my 
duty  to  all  with  whom  I was  connected,  while  I candidly  advocated  and  pur- 
sued what  I conscientiously  believed  to  be  right  and  just,  still  respecting  the  rules 
and  decisions  of  the  mission. 

The  letter  protested  against  was  as  follows : “ The  last  Report  of  the  Board 
came  to  hand  a short  time  since,  and  among  the  matters  of  interest  which  it 
contains  are  a few  points  on  which  I take  leave  to  offer  suggestions  and  remarks  ; 
premising,  that  I regard  the  missionary  enterprize  as  an  apostolical  work,  depen- 
dent on  evangelical  and  Divine  influence  for  success,  and  that  providential  dis- 
pensations, in  my  humble  opinion,  indicate  that  the  progress  of  the  Gospel  will 
be  gradual  and  its  consummation  remote;*  and  consequently  that  disappointment 

* This  sentiment  will  not  of  course  find  favor  with  those  whose  views  respecting  the  spee- 
dy and  universal  triumph  of  the  Gospel,  were  expressed  by  a very  eminent  and  pious  Jurist 
at  the  late  meeting  of  the  American  Board  at  Buffalo,  when  (as  reported  by  the  Boston  Re- 
corder,) he  publicly  declared  that,  “ he  thought  it  probable  that  the  world  would  be  evangel- 


75 


and  reverses  at  various  times  and  in  diverse  quarters  are  not  a sufficient  reason  for 
abandoning  the  undertaking,  although  they  should  be  duly  considered  in  rela- 
tion to  the  hopes  entertained  and  the  plans  pursued  for  its  accomplishment. 
I think  further  that  the  Christian  community  at  home  have  much  to  learn  on  this 
important  subject,  and  among  other  things,  that  charity  and  benevolence  are  no 
more  likely  to  be  effectual  where  distance  lends  a romantic  charm  to  effort  than 
in  benighted  corners  just  at  hand. 

“ It  is  matter  of  painful  regret  that  the  character  given  in  your  Report  of  Mar 
Yohannan,  has  been  so  sadly  reversed,  as  you  will  have  learned  by  letters  from 
various  members  of  the  mission.  So  far  as  I know,  he  does  not  at  present  op- 
pose our  operations,  nor  is  there  just  now  an  inducement  for  him  to  do  it.  The 
bishops  have  lately  had  much  wrangling  among  themselves,  chiefly  I under- 
! stand  about  their  dioceses.  Mar  Yohannan  and^  Mar  Yoosif  have  been  at 
variance  also  with  the  patriarch’s  brothers. 

“ The  apparent  fruits  of  the  religious  interest  manifested  here  more  than  a 
I year  ago,  are  but  small.  The  Report  says,  “ Most  of  the  hopeful  converts  were 
young  men  of  promise,”  which  perhaps  would  convey  the  impression  that  a con- 
siderable number  were,  in  the  judgment  of  charity,  converted.  I am  not  aware 
that  the  mission  generally,  now  entertain  hope  that  more  than  two  or  three,  one 
of  whom  is  in  the  seminary,  give  evidence  of  having  experienced  a saving  change 
at  the  period  alluded  to.  Indeed,  so  far  I as  know,  there  is  only  one  who  has  giv- 
en clear  and  consistent  evidence  of  a genuine  work  of  grace,  although  three  or 
four  others  are  regarded  with  interest  and  a degree  of  hope  perhaps,  as  having 
been  at  least  under  the  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit.*  Hope  is  entertained  in 
degree,  by  some  or  all  the  mission  for  the  piety  of  three  or  four  of  the  priests 
and  one  bishop  in  our  employ,  but  they,  I believe  consider  their  religious  expe- 
rience of  several  years  standing.  We  greatly  need  the  prayers  of  good  people  at 
home  for  the  special  influences  of  the  blessed  Spirit  to  renew  the  perishing 
around  us.  If  the  churches  who  are  interested  in  the  Nestorians,  were  more 
sensible  of  their  actual  state,  they  might  pray  more  understandingly,  if  not 
more  ardently  for  the  manifestation  of  grace  and  mercy  in  behalf  of  this  people, 
i “ As  means  for  hopeful  and  ultimate  influence,  the  two  boarding  schools  for 
I boys  and  girls  are  promising,  and,  at  present,  flourishing  institutions.  These 
I schools  should,  I think,  be  carefully  fostered,  yet  limited  both  in  numbers  and 
. branches  of  instruction,  according  to  the  actual  and  probable  condition  and 
li  wants  of  the  community  to  which  the  scholars  belong,  and  to  which  they  should 
i|  in  due  time  return  to  share  the  labors  and  hardships  of  their  own  people,  and  by 
i 

.1  ized  during  the  present  generation.”  Would  that  it  might  be  so,  or  even  in  the  next  age,  al- 
I'l  though  careful  inquiry  into  facts  and  prayerful  study  of  revelation  find  no  evidence  of  such  a 
'!  near  millennium.  The  doctrine  that  “ this  captivity  is  Long"  was  very  unpopular  in  Jere- 
miah’s day,  although  decreed  by  Divine  wisdom.  ^ 

j * In  the  revival  of  1846  nearly  all  for  whom  hope  had  been  previously  entertained,  profess- 
I ed  conversion,  including  all  the  converts  above  alluded  to  with  perhaps  one  exception. 


76 


more  enlightened  views  and  conduct,  relieve  as  far  as  possible,  the  depressed 
Nestorian  lot. 

“ The  English  and  Russian  Ambassadors  have  procured  an  ordinance  from 
the  Persian  Government,  authorizing  oppressed  Nestorians  to  leave  the  estate 
of  a tyrannical  master,  and  seek  an  abode  elsewhere  in  the  country.  Other  po- 
litical advantages  may  perhaps  be  obtained,  but  under  the  ordinary  dispensa- 
tions of  Providence,  I see  neither  hope  nor  prospect  that  the  Nestorians  will 
speedily,  if  ever,  become  a r<adiating  center  of  light  and  influence  imparting 
character  and  doctrine  to  the  nations  by  whom  they  are  overflowed.*  Limited 
efforts,  wisely  and  steadily  made,  with  devout  reliance  on  God  for  success,  con- 
stitute, in  my  humble  judgment,  the  most  hopeful  course  for  missionary  opera- 
tions, here,  as  well  as  in  most  parts  of  the  world. 

“ In  this  light  of  the  subject,  I have  been  very  sorry,  to  see  the  Greeks  given 
up  as  hopeless,  A small  missionary  force  might,  with  the  Divine  blessing,  pre- 
pare the  way  for  more  promising  results  among  that  large  and  aspiring  people, 
who  will  probably  one  day  master  the  Crescent,  and  acquire  more  national  im- 
portance than  any  other  people  in  Turkey.  A small,  well'sustained  mission  among 
such  a people  would  not  be  in  vain.  I am  more  and  more  satisfied  that  numer- 
ous missions,  and  a great  array  of  men  and  means  for  foreign  fields,  are  not  re- 
quired under  present  providential  dispensations,  and  that  calculating  the  wants 
of  the  unevangelized  on  the  mere  datum  of  their  numbers,  is  not  good  arithme- 
tic. In  the  first  place,  it  leaves  quite  too  far  out  of  view  the  sovereign  dispensa- 
tion of  grace ; while  in  the  second  place,  it  is  suited  practically,  to  subtract 
arithmetical  quotas  from  a useful  and  allot  them  to  a barren  sphere. 

“ It  is  with  great  reluctance,  on  the  ground  of  personal  respect  and  deference, 
that  I express  my  decided  dissent  from  the  views  of  the  special  report  on  “ The 
present  duty  of  the  Church  to  the  heathen  world,”  pages  48 — 53.  I think  the 
theory  of  that  report  impracticable,  and  suited  to  mislead  the  Church  on  the 
subject  of  evangelizing  the  world.  If  I understand  it,  there  is  too  much  of  hu- 
man might  and  power  in  its  cardinal  principles,  and  too  little  regard  for  the 
growing  wants  of  our  own  country.  I lay  very  small  claim  to  prescience,  but 
so  far  as  I understand  providential  dispensations,  I am  led  to  apprehend  that 
fifty  years  will  not  bring  about  total  revolutions  in  religion,  and  immense  aug- 
mentation of  numbers  in  the  unevangelized  world.  Humanly  speaking,  the 
greatest  increase  of  immortal  souls  is  to  be  expected  and  provided  for  in  our 
own  land. 

“ Though  perfectly  aware  that  the  opinion  will  meet  with  little  favor  from 
many  zealous  and  excellent  people,  and  that  I may  perhaps  suffer  opprobrium 

* This  was  written  when  Nestorian  prospects  were  much  clouded,  and  though  a revival  in 
1846  mitigated  the  darkness,  still,  if  with  all  their  lauded  missionary  zeal  and  numbers  of  the 
seventh  cpntury,  they  finally  receded  almost  to  a point  before  Mohammedism,  is  it  reason- 
able, humanly  speaking,  to  expect  that  they  will  shortly  rise  in  apostolic  power  and  convert 
all  central  Asia.  God  grant  it  may  be  so,  if  according  to  His  holy  will,  or  that  by  some  other 
instrumentality  the  Persians  and  all  their  neighbors  may  be  brought  into  the  ark  of  salvation. 


77 


for  entertaining  the  idea,  I am  nevertheless  free  to  say  that  my  sober  conviction 
is  strengthening  by  experience  in  the  belief  that  the  foreign  charities  both  of 
the  United  States  and  Great  Britain  exceed  the  home  ratio  in  proportion  to  prov- 
idential demand.  It  may  be  asked,  if  such  are  my  views,  why  I do  not  imme- 
diately return  home.  I answer,  because  I feel  it  to  be  my  duty  to  labor  where 
Providence  has  called  me  until  I am  providentially  removed. 

“ Mr.  Holladay’s*  recent  letter  stated  the  fact  that  I had  expressed  my  dis- 
sent from  the  views  contained  in  a previous  letter  by  Mr.  Perkins.  I have  on- 
ly to  say  that  I considered  the  views  alluded  to  more  favorable  than  my  appre- 
hension of  the  facts  in  the  case  would  warrant,  and  that  the  remarks  about  Dr. 
Wolff  were  quite  too  severe.  I believe  a majority  of  the  mission  concurred  in 
thinking  the  representation  too  favorable  ; however,  the  Lord  grant  that  it  may 
be  more  than  realized. 

“ You  will  be  rejoiced  to  hear  that  there  is  some  religious  interest  in  the 
girl’s  school,  of  which  you  will  doubtless  be  duly  informed. 

“ I have  begun  the  study  of  Syriac,  but  must  in  candor  say,  that  it  seems  quite 
like  a “ peace-offering," — may  it  be  accepted  by  the  Lord. 

“ When  your  late  letter  to  me  was  submitted  to  the  mission,  Mr.  Holladay 
kindly  remarked,  that,  he  had  supposed  the  design  of  the  Committee  in  sending 
me  here  was,  that  I might  labor  for  the  Persians  in  connection  with  this  mis- 
sion. The  will  of  the  Lord  be  done.” 

Such  was  the  letter  which  was  so  zealously  protested  against  at  Oroomiah, 
not  that  its  statements  were  incorrect,  but  that  its  tone  was  too  discouraging, — 
the  old  story  of  ‘ dwelling  on  the  dark  side’,  because  sober  facts  are  set  forth  to 
be  steadily  looked  in  the  face  and  perseveringly  overcome.  Let  the  candid  and 
I intelligent  weigh  what  I said  and  censure  what  is  wrong,  As  this  is  my  only 
I letter  that  roused  a formal  protest,  an  inference  may  hence  be  drawn  of  the  rea- 
; sonableness  of  charging  me  with  filling  my  letters  with  discouragements  and  com- 
plaints. A plain  fact  and  a sober  probability  are  too  discouraging,  though 
j calmly  met  by  unflinching  perseverance';  but  is  a picture  any  truer  to  nature 
I when  hope  and  fancy  lend  their  extraneous  hues  ? Mr.  Holladay’s  letter  referred 
' to  in  the  above  communication  was  dated  March  27th,  1845.  He  seems  in  part 
! to  have  misunderstood  the  terms  of  my  dissent  from  Mr.  Perkins’  letter  which 
I I was  not  anxious  to  rebut  by  a written  opinion. 

The  paragraph  in  Mr.  Holladay’s  letter  was  this  ; namely,  “ Mr.  Merrick  re- 
I quests  to  have  it  stated  in  this  letter  that  he  dissents  from  the  views  expressed  in 
I the  last  mission  letter ; and  that  want  of  time  prevented  his  doing  so  when  that 
' letter  was  forwarded.  He  will,  of  course,  if  he  thinks  it  necessary,  e.xplain  the 
, grounds  of  his  dissent.”  When  this  letter  was  circulated  among  the  brethren 
I for  their  perusal,  one  of  them  appended  the  following  note  by  way  of  suggestion 
' toothers;  namely,  “ Will  not  the  last  paragraph  in  the  letter  to  Dr.  Anderson, 

* After  the  departure  of  Mr.  Jones,  my  colleagues  in  the  Nestorian  mission  were  Messrs. 

Perkins,  Holladay,  Stocking,  Wright,  Breath,  and  Stoddard, 


78 


as  it  stands  with  nothing  more  added,  convey  a wrong  impression?  Does  not 
truth  require  that  it  should  be  added  that  the  letter  did  not  meet  the  views  of  a 
majority  of  the  mission — perhaps  naming  the  individuals — and  that  they  wished 
the  letter  to  go  as  a private  and  not  as  a mission  letter?”  To  this  note,  previ- 
ous to  my  seeing  it,  another  brother  had  added,  “ The  above  is,  I presume, 

from ; I agree  with  him  decidedly.”  It  is  therefore  proved  that  a majority  of 

the  mission  dissented  with  myself  from  the  very  bright  views  of  a certain  commu- 
nication, yet  that  letter  was  sent  to  the  executive  with  the  authority  and  sanction 
of  “ a mission  letter,”  while  a letter  written  on  my  own  individual  responsibility 
is  formally  and  strongly  protested  against,  and  by  some  of  the  very  brethren  who 
had  dissented  from  the  glow’ing  views  of  another  communication.  Where  is 
the  right  of  private  judgment?  and  where  the  claims  of  impartial  justice  ? if  all 
this  is  consistent,  candid  and  true. 

The  expectations  of  those  who  looked  for  my  recall  were  soon  realized.  As 
already  stated.  Dr.  Anderson  had  written  me  a censorious  letter,  ‘ Nov.  15,  1844,’ 
which  was  received  on  the  30th  of  January  1845,  and  answered  the  next  day ; 
but  instead  of  waiting  for  “ my  statements  and  explanations,”  as  he  had  pro- 
posed to  do,  the  secretary  addressed  to  me  the  following  letter  which  I give  entire. 

“ Missionary  House,  Boston,  Feb.  27,  1845. 

Rev.  James  L.  Merrick,  Oroomiah. 

My  dear  Brother, 

As  Mrs.  Merrick  is  now  in  England, 
and  we  know  not  how  long  she  will  think  of  staying  there,  it  seems  proper  and 
due  to  you  and  to  her,  that  the  Committee  should  keep  you  informed  as  to  the 
progress  of  their  views  on  the  subject  of  your  leaving  Persia.  I wrote  you  on 
this  subject,  Nov.  15th,  stating  their  opinion,  that  it  would  be  well  for  you  not 
to  prolong  your  stay  in  Persia,  in  case  you  did  not  feel  like  taking  a cordial  and 
strong  hold  of  the  Nestorian  language  and  mission.  Since  then,  we  have  re- 
ceived your  letter  ofDct.  15th,  and  other  letters  from  the  mission,  (written  by 
different  members,)  all  of  which  I suppose  you  must  have  seen  ; from  which  it 
appears  that,  were  you  to  enter  upon  missionary  work  with  direct  reference  to 
the  Nestorians,  it  would  be  with  views  and  feelings  in  some  important  respects 
very  unlike  those  of  the  great  part  of  your  brethren.  You  know  too.  Dear 
Brother,  that,  with  your  constitution  and  habits  of  mind,  there  is  little  probabili- 
ty of  any  considerable  change  in  your  views  and  feelings ; while  you  will  per- 
ceive, from  the  general  drift  of  my  letters,  that  the  views  entertained  by  the  Com- 
mittee fall  in,  substantially,  with  those  of  the  majority  of  the  mission. 

“ Since  Mr.  Jones’  arrival,  1 have  had  an  interview  of  some  length  with  him, 
and  in  reply  to  ray  inquiries,  and  with  evident  feelings  of  strong  friendship  for 
you,  he  has  confirmed  impressions  we  had  before  with  regard  to  the  relations  in 
which  you  stand  to  the  mission. 

“ 1.  He  states,  that  you  have  made  no  effort  to  acquire  the  Syriac  language. 

“ 2.  He  states,  that,  though  conversant  with  the  Turkish  language,  and  though 


79 


that  language  is  understood  by  very  many  at  least  of  the  Nestorians,  you  do  not 
employ  it  in  missionary  labors  among  that  people  ; and  that  you  do  not  regard 
yourself  as  called  in  duty  to  labor  for  the  spiritual  good  of  that  people. 

“ 3.  He  states,  that  you  continue  to  regard  the  Perso-Mohamniedans  as  con- 
stituting the  only  field  of  missionary  labor  to  which  Providence  calls  you,  and 
that  your  efforts  are  confined  to  them  ; except  that  you  take  part  in  the  general 
deliberations  of  the  mission,  and  act  as  a medium  of  communication,  when  one 
is  needed,  between  your  brethren  of  the  mission  and  the  Persians. 

“ 4.  He  states,  that  you  are  exerting  a civilizing  influence  upon  the  Persians, 
but  admits  fully  that  you  do  not,  in  any  proper  sense  of  the  word,  preach  the 
gospel  to  them  ; and  in  reply  to  an  inquiry,  he  said,  that,  if  it  were  contrary  to 
the  principles  of  the  Board  to  have  a mission  where  the  gospel  was  not  preached, 
the  Board  could  not  properly  support  your  mission  to  the  Mohammedans.* 

“ These  statements  were  in  reply  to  my  inquiries,  put  with  a view  of  ascer- 
taining the  correctness  of  impressions  previously  entertained.  They  were  in 
the  progress  of  a free  conversation  about  the  Nestorian  mission ; and  nothing 
could  have  been  more  evident,  than  the  friendly,  and  even  partial,  feelings  enter- 
tained by  Mr.  Jones  towards  yourself. 

“ Mr.  Jones’  statements  were  all  that  were  wanting  to  make  the  path  of  duty 
for  the  Committee  clear  to  all  the  members.  The  Committee  have  no  belief 
whatever,  that  it  would  be  wise  for  the  Board  to  think  of  establishing  a mission 
among  the  Perso-Mohammedans.  Nor  would  they  have  advised  to  your  joining 
the  Nestorian  mission,  had  they  supposed  that  you  would  continue  to  make  the 
Mohammedans  an  object  of  exclusive,  or  even  of  primary,  interest.  It  was  rep- 
resented to  the  Committee,  that  a small  peace-offering,  in  the  form  of  a school, 
was  desirable  in  respect  to  the  Musulmans  at  Oroomiah  ; but  it  was  never  sup- 
posed by  the  Committee,  that  the  effort  would  require  the  time  and  labors  of  a 
missionary.  You  can  judge  whether  you  ought  to  expect  the  Committee  to  go 
on  with  this  Mohammedan  mission, — for  such  they  are  constrained  to  regard  it, — 
and  that  too  at  the  risk  of  a serious  embarrassment  to  the  Nestorian  mission, — 
for  such,  in  the  present  attitude  of  things,  it  must  needs  be.  They  cannot  do 
this  consistently  with  their  views  of  duty  ; and  they  feel  assured,  that  your  com- 
ing into  the  relation  originally  contemplated  with  the  Nestorian  mission,  is  now 
next  to  an  impossibility.  Hence  the  following  resolution,  which  was  adopted  by 
the  Committee  with  entire  unanimity  on  the  25th  inst. ; viz. 

‘ “ Resolved, — That,  in  view  of  more  perfect  information  received  by  the 
Committee  since  the  5th  of  November,  [the  time  of  their  previous  action  on 
your  case,]  they  do  not  think  it  longer  expedient  that  the  Rev.  James  L.  Mer- 
rick should  continue  to  prosecute  the  missionary  work  among  either  the  Moham- 
medans or  Nestorians  of  Persia,  in  connection  with  this  Board;  and  that  the 
Secretary  for  the  foreign  correspondence  be  instructed  to  give  him  notice  of  this 
fact,  with  such  a statement  of  the  reasons  as  shall  be  likely  to  show  Mr.  Merrick 


Mr.  Jones’  account  of  his  “ statements  ” will  be  given  in  the  proper  place. 


80 


that  the  Committee  are  constrained  to  this  issue  by  a sense  of  their  duty  to  the 
cause.’ 

“ You  will  readily  understand,  Dear  Brother,  that  this  strain  of  writing  is  not 
among  my  pleasant  duties.  At  the  same  time  I cannot  help  thinking,  that  your 
own  views  and  those  of  the  Committee,  as  to  the  proper  course  for  the  Commit- 
tee to  pursue  in  this  case,  will  not  be  very  unlike. 

“ I have  quoted  this  resolution,  as  in  duty  bound,  in  my  letter  to  the  mission, 
and  mentioned  some  of  the  reasons  for  it ; but  shall  be  much  obliged  if  you 
will  allow  this  and  my  former  letter  to  you  to  be  read  to  them,  that  they  may  un- 
derstand our  views  of  the  case. 

“ You  will  naturally  follow  Mrs.  Merrick  to  England,  and  the  treasurer  of  the 
mission  is  authorized  to  furnish  you  with  the  necessary  funds  for  so  doing. 
When  there,  Mr.  Hill  will  put  you  in  the  way  of  getting  what  you  will  there 
need.  Or  if,  for  any  reason,  you  prefer  coming  direct  to  this  country  before 
visiting  England,  you  can  get  what  is  necessary  at  Oroomiah,  or  of  Mr.  Goodell 
at  Constantinople.  What  I mean  is,  that  the  Committee  are  disposed  to  furnish 
every  reasonable  facility  and  accommodation  for  your  return  from  Persia. 

“ I rejoice  to  hear,  as  I have  through  Mr.  Jones,  that  Mrs.  M.  has  reached 
England  in  safety,  and  with  health  somewhat  improved. 

“ Praying  the  Lord  to  overrule  all  events  apparently  adverse  to  his  cause  for 
its  greater  advancement,  and  to  guide  and  bless  you  and  yours,  and  yet  make 
you  greatly  instrumental  of  good,  I remain.  Dear  Brother,  most  truly  yours, 

Rufus  Anderson, 

Sec’y  of  A.  B.  C.  F.  M.” 

If  some  of  the  suavity  of  manner  and  soothness  of  style  in  this  letter,  had 
been  made  a matter  of  fact  in  actual  treatment,  it  would  have  been  more  valua- 
ble ; while  if  I merited  recall,  the  severest  censure  of  the  executive,  why  was  I 
so  affectionately  addressed.  The  above  letter  was  received  and  answered  on  the 
19th  of  May,  1845,  and  omitting  address  and  signature,  my  reply  was  as  follows. 

“Your  letter  of  February  27th  has  just  come  to  hand,  and  contains  a resolu- 
tion of  the  Prudential  Committee  for  my  recall  from  Persia.  I have  also  been 
favored  with  a perusal  of  your  letter  to  this  mission,  in  which  I think  you  speak 
of  my  views  with  some  asperity.  The  letter  before  me  is  apparently  kind,  and 
I tender  you  and  the  Committee  my  sincere  thanks  for  the  liberal  provision  made 
for  my  return  home. 

“ I am  sorry  that  the  tenor  of  our  intercourse  for  some  years  past,  and  the 
issue  to  which  the  Committee  have  urged  our  relations,  furnish  so  much  evi- 
dence that  neither  myself,  nor  the  cause  I have  endeavored  to  advocate  have 
been  viewed  with  favor.  My  position  is  like  that  of  one  who  having  been  sent 
to  discover  precious  mines,  and  finding  only  land  that  might  be  improved  by 
arduous  toil,  has  consequently  brought  on  himself  the  disapprobation  of  his  pa- 
trons, and  more  especially,  because  he  aimed  to  state  the  whole  truth  however 
unwelcome. 

“ It  appears  from  the  letter  before  me  that  the  Committee  have  long  been 


81 


waiting  for  some  development  which  should  furnish  occasion  to  sever  my  con- 
nection with  the  Board,  and  that  “ Mr.  Jones’  statements  were  all  that  were 
wanting  to  make  the  path  of  duty  for  the  Committee,  clear  to  all  the  members.” 
I am  thankful  to  a gracious  Providence,  that  after  waiting  for  my  halting,  no 
more  serious  charge  is  found  and  brought  against  rne,  as  a cause  for  my  recall, 
than  the  kind  and  candid  statements  of  a friend,  who  like  myself  would  have 
been  had  in  more  esteem  both  here  and  at  the  Missionary  House,  had  he  em- 
braced and  advocated  principles  and  views  which  we  conscientiously  believe  are 
suited  to  excite  expectations  fraught  with  future  disappointment  to  the  churches. 

“ My  sentiments  on  the  missionary  work  have  been  freely  and  candidly  sub- 
mitted to  the  Committee,  and  if  these  views  were  and  are  so  inconsistent  with 
the  principles  of  the  Board,  I see  no  reason  why  I should  have  been  authorized 
to  join  this  mission,  and  commended  by  you  for  so  doing.  And  if  it  was  your 
design  in  sending  me  here,  virtually  to  cut  me  off  from  the  Persians,  why  then 
was  it  not  frankly  communicated,  so  that  neither  I nor  the  mission  could  be  in 
doubt  respecting  your  intentions.  From  my  letter  of  the  19th  ult.  in  which  I 
quote  a remark  of  Mr.  Holladay,  you  will  see  that  I was  not  alone  in  supposing 
that  your  instructions  left  me  at  liberty  to  pursue  my  labors  in  the  Persian  de- 
partment, and  as  my  health  did  not  furnish  ground  to  hope  that  I could  usefully 
prosecute  two  distinct  operations,  and  being  then  as  now  deeply  impressed  with 
the  conviction  that  much  preliminary  labor  is  to  be  done  in  Persia,  I addressed 
myself  to  it,  though  meanwhile  conscious  that  in  so  doing  I was  not  likely  to 
share  to  much  extent  in  the  cordial  sympathy  and  cooperation  of  my  colleagues 
or  of  the  Committee,  inasmuch  as  the  Nestorian  mission  was  the  all-absorbing 
subject. 

“ You  cannot  in  truth  say  that  I have  violated  my  instructions,  for  when  I 
was  plainly  told  that  I must  acquire  Syriac,  I cheerfully  commenced  the  task 
with  the  feeling  that  my  knowledge  of  other  languages  known  here  would  facili- 
tate the  undertaking. 

“ What  then  is  the  occasion  of  ray  recall  after  eleven  years  service  1 Is  it 
anything  more  or  less  than  ‘ that  the  views  entertained  by  the  Committee  fall  in, 
substantially,  w’ith  those  of  the  majority  of  the  mission.’  What  these  views  are, 
appears  abundantly  evident  from  published  and  unpublished  communications. 
That  I have  been  providentially  led  to  take  a sober,  practical,  and,  as  I believe, 
scriptural  view  of  the  subject  of  missions,  differing  more  or  less  from  the  senti- 
ments of  some  of  my  respected  brethren  at  home  and  abroad,  is  not  only  true, 
but  has  been  repeatedly  laid  before  you  with  the  utmost  frankness  and  candor. 
I am  aware  that  differences  of  sentiment  may  be  such  in  kind  and  degree  as  to 
call  for  a dissolution  of  connection  between  parties  so  situated,  but  before  pro- 
ceeding to  the  excision  of  a member,  on  the  ground  of  difference  of  opinion, 
common  justice  would  seem  to  require  that  the  views  for  which  one  is  made  to 
suffer  should  be  proved  erroneous.  In  my  case  this  has  neither  been  done  nor 
attempted.  It  is  enough  for  my  condemnation,  that  I do  not  on  all  points  coin- 
11 


82 


cide  with  the  view  and  toill  of  those  with  whom  and  under  whom  I labor.  For 
the  Protestant  and  scriptural  exercise  of  a conscientious  judgment,  I am  excluded 
from  sympathy,  and  recalled  with  marks  of  manifest  disapprobation  and  censure. 

“ I believe  that  my  missionary  and  doctrinal  views  are  founded  in  scripture, 
and  consistent  with  providence  and  reason,  and  they  have  been  strengthening  for 
years,  in  which  I have  been  led,  as  it  were,  through  fire  and  through  water,  in 
the  unknown  and  unutterable  trials  of  a missionary  experience,  in  which  the 
disappointment  of  my  hopes  turned  to  my  personal  disadvantage  with  others, 
although  Providence  and  my  own  conviction  still  led  me  on  in  the  assurance  that 
even  in  this  trying  sphere,  labor  is  not  in  vain  in  the  Lord. 

“ Called  as  I am  to  suffer,  and  to  have,  in  the  opinion  of  many,  a seal  of  re- 
proach affixed  to  my  name  for  the  conscientious  pursuit  of  duty,  however  imper- 
fectly and  unworthily  I may  have  labored  in  the  cause,  I cheerfully  commit  the 
interests  of  Persia  to  the  gracious  and  sovereign  guardianship  of  God.  If  I 
mistake  not  greatly,  He  is  carrying  forward  a providential  work  among  the  peo- 
ple of  my  choice  and  tender  interest,  which  no  resolution  of  missionary  organs 
can  repress.  The  way  of  truth  is  preparing,  and  if  neither  you  nor  I lift  a finger 
to  remove  obstructions,  the  great  wheel  of  providential  events  will  not  be  stopped, 
even  should  we  be  misguided  enough  to  throw  ourselves  before  its  slow  but  irre- 
sistible progress.  To  take  a last  farewell  of  Persia,  the  land  of  my  hopes,  my 
prayers  and  my  trials,  may  cause  pangs  of  sorrow  too  deep  and  sacred  for  utter- 
ance, especially  to  those  who  cherish  little  sympathy  in  my  views  and  feelings, 
but  I trust  that  lie  who  has  been  with  me  in  six  troubles  will  not  forsake  me  in 
the  last. 

“ I ought  to  say  a word  about  preaching  to  the  Persians.  This  cannot  for- 
mally be  done,  but  the  distinctive  doctrines  of  Christianity,  for  example,  the 
Trinity  and  redemption  by  Christ,  may  be  freely  explained,  perhaps  with  as 
much  hope  of  making  a favorable  impression  in  some  cases,  as  is  entertained 
with  respect  to  Unitarians  or  Universalists  in  America.  Three  days  since,  I 
preached  in  this  way,  for  two  hours  to  some  intelligent  Persians. 

“ The  Illuminati  of  Persia  are  professedly  seekers  for  truth,  needing  and  pro- 
fessing toleration,  and  when  they  are  taught  to  understand  the  doctrines  of 
Christianity  they  will  be  led  to  respect  a system  which  all  Mohammedans  despise 
in  consequence  of  misapprehension.  An  Armenian  merchant  of  Tebreez,  who 
has  long  been  known  as  the  Protestant  of  that  sect  there,  has  frequent  discus- 
sions with  Persians  on  the  subject  of  religion,  and  I have  recently  been  informed 
that  he  makes  much  use  of  my  Vindication  of  Christianity,  a copy  of  which  he 
has  received.  He  has  lately  sent  to  me  for  some  of  Mr.  Pfander’s  Persian  works. 

“ That  the  Russian  Embassy  has  extraordinary  influence  with  the  present 
Persian  government  is  sufficiently  evident,  but  it  is  not  likely,  in  my  opinion,  to 
be  always  so.*  That  Russia  may  annex  Persia  to  her  overgrown  empire  is  per- 

* These  remarks  allude  to  certain  views  expressed  in  the  correspondence  between  the  mis- 
sion and  the  executive. 


83 


haps  possible,  but  humanly  speaking,  I see  little  probability  of  such  an  event, 
and  none  that  it  will  shortly  occur.  You  seem  to  forget,  as  do  some  of  my 
brethren  here,  that  Russia  has  wasted  immense  means  in  the  hitherto  vain  effort 
to  subdue  the  Caucasian  tribes,  and  that  she  contains  within  herself  the  elements 
of  disorganization,  which  none  but  the  most  energetic  administration  could  con- 
trol. As  to  the  Persian  prophecy  of  Russian  conquest  and  Persian  desire  for 
its  consummation,  they  rest,  if  I mistake  not,  on  fancies  and  expressions  too 
I casual  for  reliance.  All  Persian  Georgia  needs  but  a fire-brand  to  blaze  out 
against  Russia. 

“I  have  been  much  hindered  in  completing  the  last  revision  of  the  Evidence 
of  Prophecy.  Providentially  I have  obtained  the  services  of  an  excellent  Persian 
scholar,  and,  if  prospered,  we  may  get  through  the  work  in  about  a fortnight. 
I hope  in  the  mean  time,  by  Divine  favor,  to  prepare  for  my  journey,  which, 
since  I must,  I wish  to  commence  as  soon  as  possible.  I doubt  if  Mr.  Holladay* 
with  his  family  will  be  ready  and  disposed  to  start  so  soon.  I cannot  now  say 
which  route  I shall  take  from  Constantinople.  The  ancient  banner  of  Jehovah- 
jiREH  must  again  be  specially  my  guide  and  trust. 

“ Farewell,  may  the  God  of  truth  guide  and  sustain  us  all  in  the  right  way, 
and  having  refined  and  purified  us  in  the  furnace  of  His  righteous  providence, 
may  He  receive  us  for  Christ’s  sake  into  His  kingdom  where  is  fullness  of  joy, 
rest  and  blessedness  forevermore.” 

After  reaching  Constantinople,  I wrote  Dr.  Anderson  again  on  the  19th  of 
July,  and  to  show  my  pecuniary  relations  to  the  Board,  I copy  even  the  business 
items  of  the  letter.  It  will  be  observed  that  the  entire  expense  of  Mrs.  Mer- 
rick’s journey  and  voyage  home,  which  from  Constantinople  to  London  alone 
was  more  than  forty  pounds  sterling,  was  no  additional  charge  to  the  Board, 
while  the  house-repairs  I had  been  necessitated  to  make  were  valuable  to  the 
j mission,  yet  wholly  made  from  the  appropriation,  or  allowance,  granted  annually 
for  family  use.  A member  of  the  mission  did  indeed  partition  off  for  my  ben- 
efit part  of  an  out  building,  which  I think  was  done  at  the  expense  of  the  mis- 
sion, but  if  so,  I believe  it  was  the  only  instance  of  the  kind.  My  letter  was 
as  follows  : 

I “ I left  Oroomiah  on  the  4th  ult.  and  arrived  here  on  the  12th  instant.  A 
merciful  Providence  watched  over  me  by  the  way,  and  brought  me  here  in  safe- 
S ty.  Two  steamers  left  Trebizond  about  the  same  hour,  and  the  faster  boat, 
when  about  fifty  miles  from  the  Bosphorus,  was  run  into  by  a smaller  steamer 
bound  for  Trebizond,  and  sunk  in  ten  or  fifteen  minutes,  by  which  catastrophe 
[ more  than  100  passengers,  some  accounts  say  120  or  150,  were  lost.  The  col- 
: lision  was  in  a moonlight  evening,  and  owing  entirely  to  mismanagement.  The 

Lord  guided  me  safely  in  the  other  boat,  and  to  Him  be  thanksgiving  and  praise. 

I * Who  has  returned  from  Persia  by  permission  of  the  executive. 

i 


84 


I expect  to  leave  in  two  days  for  Smyrna,  and  sail  very  shortly  for  Boston  in  an 
American  vessel  now  in  the  former  port.  I should  of  course  be  happy  to  go  by 
way  of  England,  which  the  Committee  kindly  allow,  but  I wish  to  avoid  expense, 
and  for  certain  reasons  am  anxious  to  reach  home  as  soon  as  practicable. 

“ I have  sent  Mrs.  M.  fifty  pounds  to  defray  the  expense  of  her  rejoining  me 
in  America,  and  I have  drawn  also  on  Mr.  Goodell  for  two  hundred  and  forty 
three  dollars  to  pay  my  bills  and  passage  home.  I received  from  the  treasurer 
of  the  Oroomiah  mission  the  balance  of  my  appropriation  for  the  current  year, 
that  is,  the  amount  of  my  allowance  till  the  first  of  January  next,  which  enabled 
me  to  reach  Trebizond.  I have  received  nothing  extra  on  account  of  Mrs. 
Merrick’s  visit  to  England,  nor  any  appropriation  while  at  Oroomiah  for  build- 
ing and  repairs,  nor  any  compensation  for  premises  relinquished  to  accom- 
modate others,  although  precedent  was  not  wanting,  had  I been  disposed  to 
ask  for  pecuniary  aid.  My  accommodations  were  so  inconvenient  that  I was 
obliged,  though  very  reluctantly,  to  build  and  repair  to  some  extent,  and  in  so 
doing,  I expended  between  $200  and  $300,  the  greater  part  last  year,  (not  ex- 
pecting a recall,)  which  improvements  are  a useful  acquisition  to  the  mission. 
My  furniture,  I think,  would  be  valued  at  between  $200  and  $300,*  which  is 
also  left  for  the  benefit  of  the  mission.  It  is  but  justice  to  say  that  my  furniture, 
having  been  well  taken  care  of,  has  suffered  only  by  ordinary  wear,  and  if  there 
was  no  one  at  Oroomiah  to  purchase  it  at  a fair  rate,  its  real  value  is  not  there- 
fore the  less.  I mention  these  facts  to  show  that  I have  regarded  economy  as 
an  important  practical  duty,  and  have  left  something  useful  to  others  out  of  my 
annual  appropriation. 

“ I have  no  expectation  of  convincing  you  or  the  Committee  that  the  course 
pursued  in  reference  to  the  Persian  mission  was  not  the  best,  or  that  the  cen- 
sure under  which  I have  fallen  was  unmerited.  With  sentiments,  views  and 
policy  like  yours,  I could  only  have  regained  your  confidence  and  good  will  by 
the  sacrifice  of  conscientious  convictions  which  I expect  to  carry  to  my  grave. 
I believe  the  principles  on  which  these  convictions  are  founded,  are  by  no 
means  dependent  on  my  life  or  death.  I feel  it  is  vain  to  attempt  argument  in 
this  matter,  but  I have  a statement  or  two  to  make  before  our  correspondence 
closes. 

“ I am  censured  for  not  preaching,  especially  to  the  Nestorians,  and  Mr. 
Jones  is  quoted  as  testifying  to  my  delinquency  in  this  matter.  I have  much 
wished  to  see  Mr.  Jones,  and  ascertain  from  him  personally,  if  he  intended  to 
convey  the  impression  which  you  received,  as  stated  under  four  heads  in  your 
letter  of  February  27th.  I do  not  think  he  intended  to  convey  just  what  you 
state,  unless  it  were  accompanied  by  considerations  essentially  modifying  the 

* The  value  of  my  repairs  and  furniture  was  nearest  the  larger  sums,  but  I wished  to  make 
an  estimate  that  could  not  be  gainsayed.  My  furniture  was  subsequently  sold  at  auction  in 
the  mission  for  about  $240. 


85 


aspect  of  the  case.  It  is  true,  1 never  liad  a Persian  congregation,  and  per- 
haps in  your  sense,  have  never  preached  to  a Persian  at  all,  however  I may 
have  attempted  to  do  as  our  Saviour  did  at  the  well  of  Samaria  and  on  many 
other  occasions.  According  to  the  grace  given  unto  me,  I have  aimed  to  com- 
municate religious  truth  as  the  people  with  whom  I had  intercourse  were  able  to 
bear  it.  I have  not  attempted  to  produce  excitement  or  gain  eclat,  either  at 
home  or  abroad,  and  if  I have  been  instrumental  of  even  “ exerting  a civilizing 
influence  upon  the  Persins,”  I rejoice  in  it,  and  render  the  honor,  whatever  it 
may  be,  to  God.  Had  I been  disposed  to  become  a fool,  or  even  to  imitate 
some  wise  men  in  glorying,  I am  inclined  to  think  it  would  not  have  been  diffi- 
cult to  have  boasted  myself  a little.  An  account  of  some  of  my  talks,  for  I shall 
not  ask  you  to  consider  it  preaching,  with  other  matters  to  fill  out  a picture, 
the  whole  illumined  and  adorned  by  the  oriental  blush  of  romance,  would,  I 
doubt  not,  have  made  what  is  called  a favorable  impression,  and  might  have 
saved  me  from  the  severest  censure  in  the  power  of  the  Committee  to  inflict. 
But  with  me  it  has  been  a practical  question,  ‘ should  I now  persuade  men  or 
God?  if  I please  men  in  this  matter,  shall  I be  faithful  to  Christ?’  If  a mission 
to  the  Persians  cannot  be  sustained  on  the  basis  of  religious  principle,  I cannot 
attempt  to  prop  it  up  by  conveying  impressions  which  I think  the  whole  state  of 
the  case  does  not  justify.  I am  sensible  of  my  deficiencies  and  short  comings 
among  the  Persians,  and  pray  God  to  forgive  me,  and  to  send  them  a more  faith- 
ful and  successful  missionary. 

“ In  regard  to  the  Nestorians,  I never  possessed  the  ability  to  preach  to  them. 
It  is  true  I speak  Turkish,  as  many  of  them  likewise  do,  but  although  able  to 
transact  business  and  converse  to  some  extent  without  embarrassment  in  that 
language,  I never  made  it  a study  while  in  Persia,  and  to  have  set  about  mak- 
ing it  my  working  language,  situated  as  I was,  would  have  been  very  unwise. 
It  is  however  a small  matter  to  be  censured  for  not  attempting  an  impracticable 
thing,  when  one  is  condemned  for  doing  what  he  is  able  to  perform.  Persian 
books  and  company,  and  Persian  subjects  altogether,  exhausted  much  of  my 
time  and  strength,  although  I took  a cordial  interest  in  the  Nestorian  mission. 
Had  no  one  been  better  qualified  than  myself  to  impart  religious  truth  to  the 
Nestorians,  or  had  providences  required  it,  then  it  would  have  been  obviously 
my  duty  to  have  attempted  more  than  I did  ; but  as  the  case  stood,  if  more  preach- 
ing was  needed,  others,  in  my  opinion,  were  abundantly  able  to  have  done  it,  by 
laying  aside  Persian  studies  and  other  useful  occupations,  and  giving  their 
whole  time  to  the  ministry  of  the  word.  I understand  the  preaching  there  to 
be  simple,  and  for  the  most  part  unwritten,  suited,  or  intended  to  be  suited,  to 
the  capacity  of  the  hearers.  In  these  circumstances,  I could  not  persuade  my- 
self that  it  was  duty,  with  my  delicate  health  and  limited  ability,  to  give  up 
what  I felt  to  be  an  important  work  and  turn  my  attention  wholly  to  a sphere 
where  I was  not  urgently  wanted. 


86 


“ In  Mr.  Ilolladay’s  opinion,  which  I believe  I quoted  to  you  in  my  last,*  I 
was  not  originally  enjoined  by  the  Committee  to  study  Syriac  and  devote  my- 
self mainly  to  the  Nestorians,  but  when  at  last  a peremptory  requisition  to  this 
effect  came,  as  soon  as  I could  dispose  of  other  work,  I sat  down  to  learn  Syriac 
and  had  1 been  continued  in  that  field,  I intended  to  acquire  a good  knowledge 
of  the  Nestorian  Fathers,  as,  in  my  view,  an  important  qualification  for  under- 
standing the  true  position  of  the  people,  and  laboring  wisely  for  their  benefit.  I 
did  still  intend,  Providence  permitting,  to  do  what  I could  for  the  Persians,  for 
which  I thought  I might  be  tolerated  on  the  principle  that  there  was  no  prohibi- 
tion on  others  excluding  them  from  the  Persians. 

“ Another  reason  for  not  beginning  anew,  after  eight  or  nine  years  labor  in 
another  sphere,  was  the  trouble  and  uncertainty  impinging  on  the  mission,  and, 
in  my  view,  the  greater  claim  of  another  field  on  my  attention.  The  impres- 
sion at  home  and  the  actual  state  of  the  Nestorian  people  were,  in  my  apprehen- 
sion, widely  different,  as  late  events  have  unfortunately  proved.  I might  enlarge 
on  this  topic,  but  I hasten  to  notice  briefly  a kindred  subject  which  you  make 
one  ground  for  censure  and  recall,  namely,  that  I have  dissented  from  the  policy 
of  the  mission.  Now  is  it  not  remarkable  that  I am  censured,  both  by  tbe  Com- 
mittee and  the  mission,  for  having  advocated  those  principles  of  missionary  poli- 
cy which  you  at  last  lay  down  as  the  rule  of  operations,  and  to  which  the  mis- 
sion is  itself  verging.  Even  my  opponents  being  judges,  I must,  in  this  matter, 
have  suffered  in  a good  cause.  I am  not  without  expectation  that  it  will  at 
length  be  found  that  the  principles  which  have  rendered  ‘ my  constitution  and 
habits  of  mind’  so  permanently  unfit,  in  your  judgment,  for  missionary  labor 
under  the  patronage  of  the  Board,  are  sound  and  scriptural  principles ; and 
with  the  conviction  that  they  are  right,  I can  cheerfully  suffer  reproach  for  a 
season, 

“ You  may  not  thank  me  for  the  candid  declaration  that,  in  my  humble  judg- 
ment, the  Committee  and  the  Board,  so  far  from  being  infallible,  have  yet  much 
to  learn  on  the  great  subject  of  evangelizing  the  world.  I think  we  are  only 
at  the  beginning  of  the  work,  and  I have  no  idea  that  it  will  be  speedily  consum- 
mated by  splendid  plans  and  thrilling  appeals  which,  although  they  may  excite 
the  Church  to  run  for  a time,  will  be  likely  to  leave  her  dispirited  and  tardy  at 
last.  If  sound  evangelical  principle  is  not  a sufficient  motive  to  advance  the 
kingdom  of  Christ,  I for  one,  see  little  hope  for  the  conversion  of  the  world  un- 
der the  present  dispensation  of  Providence.  In  my  opinion,  there  is  an  un- 
sound and  unhealthy  element  in  the  action  of  the  Board,  and  perhaps  in  other 
benevolent  institutions,  and  the  sooner  the  evil  is  wisely  corrected  the  better. 

“ I suppose  this  letter  will  terminate  my  official  correspondence  with  you,  and 
in  parting  I candidly  say  that,  in  my  judgment,  I have  not  been  kindly  and  truly 


It  was  in  the  letter  of  19  April  1845. 


87 


dealt  with ; and  among  other  things,  I think  your  writing  Dr.  Smith*  that  if  I 
did  not  attend  to  Syriac  I should  be  recalled,  as  I am  informed  you  did,  while  I 
was  left  in  ignorance  of  your  intentions,  and  your  sending  letters,  affecting  me 
personally,  open  to  other  stations,  necessarily  exciting  suspicion  or  prejudice 
! against  me,  cannot  be  considered  either  candid  or  honorable.  As  to  your  telling 
Dr.  Smith  that  you  thought  I wanted  to  find  a place  to  ‘ back  out  ’ of  the  Persian 
mission,  you  have  only  to  recollect  that  the  withdrawal  of  your  sympathy,  re- 
moval from  my  sphere,  the  illness  and  departure  of  my  wife,  with  more  than  one 
direct  proposal  for  my  return,  having  failed  to  urge  me  from  my  field,  as  a last 
resort,  I was  peremptorily  recalled  ; such  has  been  my  ‘ backing  out.’ 

“ I have  been  told  that  several  years  ago  you  had  a plan  in  mind  for  nullifying 
any  statements  which  it  was  supposed  I might  make  about  my  missionary  course 
and  connection  with  the  Board,  and  that  part  of  this  scheme  was  to  publish  por- 
tions of  my  letters  to  you.  If  you  should  publish  the  whole,  1 have  no  appre- 
I hension  of  being  overwhelmed  with  public  indignation,  for  I have  endeavored 
I candidly  to  represent  the  true  state  of  the  case,  and  did  not  expect  to  be  counted 
j ‘ an  enemy  because  I told  the  truth.’  It  has  been  a pleasure  to  me  to  cherish 
respect  for  you  and  the  Committee,  and  not  being  conscious  of  having  in  any 
j instance  intentionally,  or  even  inadvertently,  transcended  my  obligations  to  them, 

] I have  only  to  regret  the  imperfection  and  error  which  has  accompanied  my 
I honest  intentions  and  sincere  endeavors. 

I “ I have  indeed  great  cause  for  humiliation  before  God  that  I have  done  so 
little  in  His  service,  but  I have  had  it  in  my  heart  to  promote  His  cause  in  Per- 
I sia,  and  I bless  His  name  that  I have  been  permitted  to  live  and  labor  longer 
I there  than  any  other  Protestant  missionary.  Martyn,  Pfander,  Haas  and  Glen, 

\ have  each  done  a good  work  for  Persia,  and  though  least  of  all,  and  last  re- 
I moved,  I trust  in  God,  I am  not  the  final  link  in  the  chain,  but  that  others  more 
i worthy  and  successful  than  I have  been,  will  in  due  time  enter  this  permanently 
interesting  field.  * * * 

“ I think  you  and  the  Committee  have  assumed  a serious  and  weighty  respon- 
sibility in  turning  wholly  away  from  the  Mohammedans,  especially  from  the  Per- 
sians, who  are  the  most  hopeful  class  ; and,  in  my  opinion,  the  Board  can  hon- 
estly no  longer  appeal  to  the  churches  in  behalf  of  the  world,  but  simply  set 
forth  the  state  of  that  sphere  really  and  truly  within  the  range  of  immediate 
plans  and  prospects. 

“I  have  been  an  acknowledged  missionary  of  the  Board  for  more  than  eleven 
years,  and  it  lacks  only  about  a month  of  this  period  since  I bade  you  farewell, 
and  embarked  for  my  chosen  field,  where  I have  hoped  my  sleeping  dust  would 
wait  the  morning  of  the  resurrection.  Although  infinitely  more  undeserving 
before  God  than  before  man,  I yet  trust  that  I shall  receive  a better  reward. 


Rev.  Azariah  Smith,  M.  D.,  of  Erzrooin. 


88 


through  grace,  from  the  great  Head  of  tlie  Church,  than  has  been  bestowed  on 
me  by  tlie  executive  of  the  Board. 

“ That  the  cause  of  truth  and  righteousness  may  be  guided  and  sustained  by 
Divine  wisdom  and  grace,  and  the  consummation  of  redemption  be  hastened,  is 
my  constant  and  fervent  prayer.  May  God  direct  and  bless  yOu  and  the  Com- 
mittee and  the  Board,  and  make  you  all  eminently  instrumental  in  promoting  the 
Redeemer’s  Kingdom.” 

The  principal  point  to  be  pondered  in  this  connection,  is  the  fact  that  I was 
recalled  without  the  privilege  of  making  any  explanation  or  defence.  It  was 
therefore  wholly  an  cx  parte  act,  and  in  point  o/"  principle,  entirely  analagous  to 
the  arbitrary  decrees  of  Papal  or  Jesuitical  power.  Will  such  a principle  work 
well  in  Protestant  organizations?  in  republican  and  Christian  societies?  espe- 
cially where  there  is  practically  and  in  reality,  no  available  court  of  appeal? 
Will  the  cause  of  truth  and  righteousness  permanently  prosper  under  such  a 
system  ? 

In  h is  letter  of ‘July  3,  1840,’  on  the  subject  of  my  remonstrance  at  the 
abandonment  of  the  Persian  mission,  Dr.  Anderson  says,  “ Y out  peremptory  re- 
call from  Persia,  in  your  present  circumstances,  without  previously  writing  you 
on  the  subject,  would  be  such  a step  as  I believe  the  Committee  have  never  yet 
taken  in  respect  to  a missionary  ; and  would  no  doubt  be  an  abuse  of  power ; 
but  your  consent  to  the  relinquishment  of  the  mission,  after  due  notice  had  been 
given,  would  not  be  necessary  to  render  the  step  a proper  one  on  the  part  of  the 
Committee.”  If  the  rule  here  laid  down  be  correct,  and  if  it  be  “ an  abuse  of 
power”  to  recall  a missionary  “ without  previously  writing  him  on  the  subject,” 
then  surely  my  recall  was  the  result  of  “ an  abuse  of  power ;”  for,  the  execu- 
tive did  not  write  me  on  the  subject  of  my  recall,  since  previous  to  that  measure 
they  only  insisted,  if  I remained  in  Persia,  that  I should  study  Syriac  and  labor 
more  for  the  Nestorians,  which  I promptly  undertook  ; therefore,  their  own  rule 
proves  them  guilty  of  “ an  abuse  of  power.”  And  while  thus  guilty,  and  while, 
as  has  been  ably  shown  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Bacon  of  New  Haven,  in  an  article 
already  referred  to,  there  is  no  proper  and  efficient  court  of  appeal  from  the  de- 
cision of  the  executive,  is  it  right  that  I should  be  censured  for  complaining  of 
the  injustice  I have  suffered,  and  for  pleading,  though  uncountenanced  and  un- 
aided by  a single  public  voice,  for  the  rights  of  those  who,  forsaking  all  for  the 
Gospel’s  sake,  are  subject  to  the  arbitrary  and  virtually  irresponsible  authority 
of  fallible  men  however  well-meaning  they  may  be.  In  the  name  of  truth  and 
righteousness,  let  there  be  an  available  and  impartial  tribunal  established,  to 
which  the  executive  as  well  as  the  operative  in  the  great  work  of  benevolence 
shall  be  amenable. 

Let  me  recur  once  more  to  the  brethren  at  Oroomiah.  Previous  to  my  de- 
parture, those  who  had  most  strenuously  opposed  my  views  appeared  to  have  re- 
covered a cordial  tone.  In  proof  of  this,  and  also  to  show  that  there  had  been 


89 


almost  uniformly  great  mutual  gqod  will  between  myself  and  my  colleagues,  I 
will  here  make  some  quotations,  which,  not  having  been  intended  for  the  public 
eye,  consequently  carry  the  more  weight  for  sincerity  and  truth. 

In  a note  which  T received  the  day  before  I left  Oroomiah,  the  Rev.  D.  T. 
j Stoddard  says,  “ Be  assured.  Dear  Brother,  we  sympathize  tenderly  with  you, 
under  your  present  trying  circumstances.  However  I may  have  differed  from 
you  in  some  views  and  feelings,  (and  it  would  not  be  candid  to  say  that  the  dif- 
I ference  has  been  a trifling  one,)  I should  do  very  wrong  to  suffer  this  to  intrude 
I on  private  friendship,  and  still  more  on  Christian  communion.  As  to  our  friend- 
i ship,  it  gives  me  great  pleasure  to  remember  the  kindness  and  the  affection  you 
have  uniformly  manifested  towards  us.  And  as  to  Christian  communion,  I beg 
I to  repeat  what  I said  to  you  on  Sunday,  that  I have  generally  found  it  very 
I pleasant  and  edifying  for  me  to  unite  with  you,  both  in  the  contemplation  of  the 
truths  of  the  Bible  and  at  the  throne  of  grace.  * * * 

“ In  reviewing  the  past,  and  especially  the  past  few  weeks,  I feel  that  I may 
have  forgotten  too  much  my  own  youth,  inexperience,  and  liability  to  err,  and 
been  too  ready  to  censure  those  older  and  in  many  respects  certainly  wiser  than 
myself.  However  this  may  be,  one  thing  is  undoubtedly  true ; that  in  many 
cases,  I have  failed  to  discharge  my  duty  towards  you  as  a Mis.sionary  Brother. 
These  omissions  I trust  you  will  forgive. 

“ Our  best  wishes  go  with  you.  May  you  be  prospered  in  journeys  by  land 
and  by  sea,  and  be  abundantly  useful  in  the  vineyard  of  our  Lord.  We  regret 
that  we  are  not  to  see  Mrs.  Merrick  again ; but  hope  to  meet  her  in  a brighter 
world.” 

In  near  prospect  of  my  departure,  the  Rev.  Justin  Perkins,  D.  D.,  wrote  me 
on  the  23d  of  May,  saying,  “It  may  be  gratuitous  for  me  to  tell  you  that  I feel 
sad  at  the  idea  of  your  leaving,  not  that  I am  disposed  to  agitate  the  question  of 
expediency,  in  view  of  all  circumstances,  but  our  acquaintance  of  olden  time, 
and  the  sincere  esteem  and  fraternal  attachment  which  I have  ever  felt  toward 
you,  have  always  rendered  your  society  peculiarly  dear  to  me  ; and  I have  on 
this  account  the  more  deeply  regretted  that  they  should  ever  be  in  danger  of 
being  impaired,  at  all,  by  difference  of  missionary  views,  nor  can  they  ever  be 
materially  diminished,  by  mere  difference  of  opinion.  For  your  most  estimable 
wife,  too,  as  well  as  for  yourself,  both  Mrs.  P.  and  myself  can  never  help  feeling 
a very  tender  regard,  and  most  heartfelt  esteem  and  affection.” 

And  in  a letter  addressed  to  Mrs.  M.,  the  day  before  I bade  farewell  to  the 
mission,  Mr.  Perkins  says,  “ When  you  left  us  some  nine  months  ago,  we  hoped 
to  see  you  again  at  Oroomiah,  but  this  hope  is  now  cut  off,  and  we  are  even  per- 
forming the  (to  us)  very  sad  offices  of  parting  with  your  beloved  husband.  This 
I trial  bears  heavily,  upon  me  in  particular,  so  long  have  we  been  fellow-exiles  in 
i distant  benighted  Persia.  But  such  is  life  — a scene  of  changes  and  partings 
from  those  we  love. 

“The  trial  of  leaving  Persia,  his  early  chosen  missionary  field,  must  of  course 
12 

i 


90 


be  severe  to  Mr.  Merrick  ; though  less  so  at  present  than  formerly,  I presume, 
on  account  of  the  great  uncertainty  that  has  for  some  months  hung  over  all  ouf 
missionary  prospects  in  this  country.  I strongly  apprehended,  last  autumn  and 
winter,  that  none  of  us  would  be  here  at  this  time.*  Our  prospects  are  now 
somewhat  less  dark,  though  still  sufficiently  dubious  and  ominous  to  multiply 
pretty  fast  the  white  hairs  upon  my  head. 

“ Though  our  Committee  have  come  at  last  so  fully  to  the  decision  that  they 
can  do  nothing  more  for  the  Mohammedans  of  Persia,  because  the  gospel  can- 
not be  directly  preached  to  them  — a result  to  which  they  seem  to  have  been 
verging  for  many  years,  still  your  dear  husband  should  not  think,  nor  feel  that 
he  has  lived,  and  labored,  and  prayed  in  Persia  in  vain  ; nor  should  he  ever  re- 
gret that  he  made  this  his  chosen  field.  The  savor  of  his  holy  life  and  example 
have  gone  abroad  in  this  country  far  and  wide,  and  it  will  never  be  lost,  to  say 
nothing  of  his  labors  in  putting  valuable  books  into  the  Persian  language.  When 
I was  at  Tehrkn,  last  winter,  whither  I was  driven  by  an  attack  on  our  mission 
by  the  Jesuits,  I found  that  the  Shaht  even  was  as  familiar  with  Mr.  Merrick’s 
name  as  with  that  of  his  own  brothers,  and  that  His  Majesty  cherished  for  him 
the  profoundest  esteem  and  regard,  as  a man  of  God,  to  use  his  own  expression, 
as  well  as  a man  of  science.  Such  an  impression,  I feel  assured,  will  not  be 
lost  on  Persia,  in  years  and  ages  to  come.” 

On  the  4th  of  June  I bade  adieu  to  Oroomiah,  the  brethren  accompanying 
me  a little  way  from  the  city,  and  when  I dismounted  to  give  them  the  parting 
hand,  Messrs.  Perkins  and  Stocking  promptly  dismounted  also,  and,  what  I did 
not  expect,  bestowed  on  me  an  oriental  kiss  in  token  of  affectionate  farewell. 
The  Lord  bless  and  richly  reward  them  all  for  every  friendly  act  and  kind  emo- 
tion with  which  they  ever  favored  me.  And  so  I bade  adieu  to  my  adopted 
land,  and.  Heaven-protected,  reached  again  my  native  shore  on  the  23d  of  Sep- 
tember 1845,  eleven  years,  one  month,  and  a day,  after  I sailed  for  eastern  climes 
and  unknown  scenes. 

Such  had  beep  the  course  of  the  executive,  that,  after  thorough  deliberation, 
I had  concluded  to  communicate  with  them  only  by  letter,  until  I should  have 
reason  to  expect  more  just  and  liberal  treatment.  This  plan  however  did  not 
seem  to  win  their  favor,  though  I certainly  think  it  the  best  course  I could  have 
taken  in  the  circumstances.  In  reply  to  letters  announcing  my  return.  Dr.  An- 
derson, on  the  30th  of  September,  wrote  me,  and  after  some  censure  for  not 
having  called  at  the  Missionary  House,  and,  as  he  unwarrantably  supposed,  for 
“ remaining  in  the  ship  ” in  which  I came,  he  says,  “ On  any  supposition  I can 
make  it  would  seem  that  we  might  reasonably  have  expected  you  to  call  on  us, 
and  have  the  benefit  (which  would  have  been  mutual)  of  a free  personal  inter- 
view. * * * The  Committee  performed  what  they  deemed  an  act  of  duty, 

* Let  those  who  have  put  all  my  letters  ‘ on  the  dark  side,’  and  accused  me  of  underrating 
Nestorian  prospects,  ponder  these  remarks  ; and  also  (if  they  ever  come  to  light,)  certain  say- 
ngs  of  Dr.  Anderson  in  his  letters  to  the  mission  in  ’44  and  ’45 

t King  of  Persia. 


91 


though  a painful  one,  in  advising  your  return,  but  we  shall  all  be  happy  to  pro- 
mote your  usefulness  whenever  we  have  the  opportunity  of  so  doing.” 

Now  if  I had  been  culpably  delinquent  in  missionary  duty,  or  had  manifested 
an  impracticable  disposition  towards  my  colleagues,  how  could  the  executive 
honestly  and  conscientiously  engage  to  “ promote  my  usefulness”  in  America? 
but  if  I had  been  faithful  in  my  work  abroad,  why  then  did  they  recall  me  from 
I Persia  1 As  to  the  soft  terms  of  ‘ advising  my  return,’  in  a formal  interview 
subsequently  had.  Dr.  Anderson  stated  that  I had  rightly  understood  it,  as  it  was 
i intended  to  be,  a recall.  Bland  forms  of  speech  coupled  with  severe  measures 
I are  not  peculiar  to  refined  Protestants ; “ Holy  Mother  Church”  is  eminently 
j gifted  in  this  grace. 

My  first  letter  to  the  Committee  was  written  while  the  vessel  in  which  I re- 
turned was  gliding  up  Boston  harbor,  and  consequently  before  I could  possibly 
know  where  I should  take  lodgings  on  landing,  which,  however,  was  done  on 
the  afternoon  of  my  arrival,  and  as  soon  as  I could  conveniently  leave  the  ship. 
I thought,  perhaps  too  confidently,  that  my  notes  to  the  Committee  would  be 
answered  through  the  post  office,  where,  however,  my  calls  found  no  reply.  On 
discovering  that  Dr.  Anderson  wrongly  supposed  that  I continued  to  remain  on 
shipboard  after  my  arrival,  in  reply  to  his  favor  of  September  30th,  I wrote  him 
saying  that,  “ I have  just  received  your  letter  of  this  morning,  and  beg  to  say 
that  my  note  to  the  Committee  of  the  23d  inst.  was  written  before  I left  the  ship 
in  which  I arrived,  or  knew  where  I should  take  lodgings,  and  consequently  I 
could  not  inform  you  where  I might  be  found.  I stopped  at  the  Bromfield 
House  till  Saturday,  when  I left  town  on  a visit.  I returned  yesterday  morning, 
and  succeeded  in  getting  my  baggage  ashore,  and  while  lingering  for  this  pur- 
pose, I addressed  another  note  to  the  Committee  which  I forwarded  with  a par- 
I cel  of  books.  I am  surprised  that  you  should  have  inferred  that  I remained  all 
this  time  on  shipboard,  which  is  quite  contrary  to  established  rules.” 

Notwithstanding  this  written  explanation  which  Dr.  Anderson  duly  received, 
yet  in  April  1847,  his  memory  could  only  recall  the  prejudiced  impression  of 
my  strangely  “ remaining  in  the  ship,”  for  in  his  formal  interview,  in  the  above 
I mentioned  month,  with  a number  of  respectable  men  at  Brattleboro,  among 
other  inculpations,  as  I have  been  specially  informed,  “ He  also  alluded  in  pretty 
strong  terms  to  your  [my]  course  on  your  return,  to  your  remaining  on  board  ship, 
and  refusing  an  interview  without  witnesses,  and  that  the  Committee  on  that  oc- 
casion treated  you  with  great  forbearance.”  This  little  charge  of  “ remaining 
I in  the  ship,”  would  have  been  passed  over  in  silence,  had  it  not  been  so  unac- 
countably reiterated  of  late,  thus  appearing  to  express  a disposition  to  dwell  on 
I small  considerations.  Had  I actually  remained  some  time  “ on  board  ship,”  as 

I my  missionary  brother,  the  Rev.  Dr.  King,  more  recently  did  at  Syra,  when 

r persecuted  by  the  Greeks,  I presume  few  would  think  such  a circumstance  im- 
" plied  great  perversity.  The  other  two  points  in  the  above  extract,  respecting 
“ witnesses”  and  “ forbearance,”  will  in  due  order  be  noticed. 


92 


In  my  first  note  addressed  to  the  Committee,  I made  a few  requests  respecting 
certain  books,  manuscripts  and  letters  ; one  of  which  requests  was,  “ that  I may 
have  the  privilege  of  reviewing  Dr.  Anderson’s  letters  to  the  Oroomiah  mission, 
relating  in  part  to  myself  or  to  my  communications  to  him,  and  may  be  allowed 
to  copy  such  portions  of  said  letters  as  I may  think  proper.” 

On  the  30th  of  September  Dr.  Anderson  again  wrote  me  saying,  “Your  let- 
ters have  been  read  to  the  Prudential  Committee,  and  your  requests  have  been 
considered. 

“ Before  acting  upon  them,  the  Committee  deem  it  proper  that  a sub-commit- 
tee from  their  body  should  have  a conference  with  you,  and  they  have  appointed 
a sub-committee  for  this  purpose.  They  leave  it  for  you  to  decide  whether  to 
meet  the  sub-committee  before  you  visit  your  friends  in  Monson,  or  to  visit  Bos- 
ton for  the  purpose,  your  traveling  expenses  being  paid  by  the  Board.  Such 
an  interview  you  will  regard  as  perfectly  reasonable,  and  indeed  as  a thing  of 
course  before  your  case  can  be  fully  understood  and  the  way  be  opened  for  any 
decisive  action.” 

I replied  to  the  above  favor  under  the  same  date  as  follows  ; “ By  your  note 
just  received,  I learn  that  the  Committee  decline  replying  to  my  requests  of  the 
23d  inst.,  until  their  sub-committee,  appointed  for  the  purpose,  has  an  interview 
with  me.  My  requests  were  so  simple,  and,  as  I thought,  reasonable,  that  I 
confess  myself  disappointed  in  not  receiving,  without  much  delay  or  formality, 
an  explicit  answer.  # * * 

“ As  I have  not  funds  in  hand  to  prolong  my  stay  here,  and  as  I am  under 
obligation  to  visit  my  friends  as  soon  as  circumstances  permit,  the  sub-commit- 
tee will  please  excuse  me  from  waiting  on  them  at  present.  Providence  per- 
mitting, I shall  start  for  Monson  tomorrow  morning,  and  cannot  now  say  when 
I shall  be  able  to  revisit  Boston.” 

On  the  3d  of  October  following  Dr.  Anderson  favored  me  with  a reply,  in 
which  he  says,  “ Your  keeping  aloof  from  us  in  such  manner,  is  the  first  fact  of 
the  kind  that  has  ever  occurred,  and  seems  to  me  to  have  been  unwise.  I hard- 
ly need  say,  that  nothing  is  usually  lost  by  a frank  interchange  of  views  among 
Christian  men.  * * * 

“ If  you  have  any  choice  as  to  the  time  of  the  meeting,  you  will  of  course  give 
me  reasonable  notice,  that  I may  arrange  for  getting  the  gentlemen  together.” 

On  the  7th  of  October  I replied  to  the  foregoing  communication,  saying,  “ I 
received  your  favor  of  the  3d  instant,  yesterday.  I am  sorry  you  seem  disposed 
to  find  occasion  for  censure,  although  late  experience  has  not  led  me  to  expect 
much  indulgence  from  the  Missionary  House.  I do  not  feel  called  on  at  this 
moment  to  vindicate  my  course  in  not  having  sought  a personal  interview  with 
you  or  the  Committee.  * * * 

“ A conference  with  the  sub-committee  has  been  required  as  a preliminary 
step  to  business  intercourse  with  me.  It  is  desirable  to  know  what  topics  the 
sub-committee  wish  to  discuss  with  me,  and  on  what  basis  they  propose  to  place 


93 


our  intercourse.  I should  like  to  know  for  instance,  if  I am  summoned  author- 
itatively,  and  if  I am  held  chargeable  with  offences,  and  in  addition  to  being  re- 
called, am  to  be  adjudged  by  the  executive  of  the  Board.  I wish  further  to 
know,  if  I may  be  permitted  to  introduce  to  the  proposed  conference  some  friends 
to  act  as  advisers  and  witnesses  in  the  interview.  If  I am  tried  for  conscience’ 
sake,  it  is  reasonable  to  ask  for  the  means  of  defence.  I desire  to  know  thirdly, 
if  the  subjects  to  be  proposed  for  discussion  cannot  be  canvassed  by  a corres- 
pondence between  the  sub-committee  and  myself.  * * * 

“ I think  existing  correspondence  will  show  that  the  main  question  at  issue 
between  us,  is,  whether  principle  or  expediency  \s  the  proper  basis  for  missionary 
operations, — a question  on  which  I have  already  received  evidence  to  believe 
the  churches  are  more  and  more  inclined  to  decide.” 

On  the  15th  of  October  Dr.  Anderson  favored  me  with  another  letter  in  which 
he  says,  “ The  object  for  which  the  sub-committee  was  appointed,  is  the  simplest 
possible.  The  only  object  specified  in  the  vote  appointing  the  sub-committee, 
the  only  instructions  they  have  received,  the  only  thing  they  have  yet  in  view, 
is  to  see  and  confer  with  you.  An  informal  friendly  conference,  as  the  first 
thing,  is  due  on  their  part  to  you,  and  on  your  part  to  them.  The  sub-commit- 
tee was  not  appointed  to  bring  charges  against  you,  nor  to  put  you  on  your  de- 
fence. 

“ It  is  not  probable  that  the  Prudential  Committee,  after  this  explanation,  will 
enter  into  a written  correspondence  with  you  such  as  you  propose,  unless  it 
shall  appear  advisable  so  to  do  after  your  conference  with  the  sub-committee. 
The  presence  of  others  at  that  interview,  can  answer  no  good  pnrpose,  and 
would  only  embarrass  the  freedom  of  the  interview  all  around.  It  will  be  time 
for  witnesses  and  helpers,  such  as  you  suggest,  when  you  shall  have  been  put  on 
trial  and  a defence, — a result  not  at  present  anticipated.  * * * 

“ You  are  aware,  of  course,  that  you  still  sustain  the  relation  of  a missionary 
to  the  Board  ; not  having  resigned,  nor  by  vote  of  the  Committee  yet  released 
from  your  connection  with  it.  I make  this  remark,  lest  you  should  have  mis- 
taken the  force  of  the  resolution  advising  your  return  home.  It  did  not  dissolve 
your  relation  to  us. 

“ The  sub-committee  instruct  me  to  say,  that  they  will  hold  a meeting  (D.  V.)* 
on  Wednesday,  29th  inst.,  in  the  afternoon,  at  which  they  will  be  happy  to 
meet  you.” 

On  the  17th  of  the  same  month  I replied  that,  “ You  say  that  the  object  for 
which  the  sub-committee  was  appointed  to  meet  me,  ‘ is  the  simplest  possible 
‘ not  to  bring  charges  against  me,  or  put  me  on  my  defence  and  yet  it  is  so 
important  as  to  be  mutually  obligatory  on  the  parties  concerned.  Why  then 
can  you  not  define  the  object  of  this  ‘ informal,  friendly  conference,’  and  what 
harm  can  result  from  the  presence  of  a few  candid  friends?  * * * 

“ You  have  recalled  me,  and  have  thus  virtually  brought  a very  serious  charge 

* Deo  Volente— God  willing. 


94 


against  my  missionary  character,  and  now  you  even  decline,  if  I understand  your 
letter,  to  allow  the  presence  of  friends  in  a proposed  interview,  which,  however 
simple  it  may  be,  cannot  fail  to  have  much  influence  on  my  relations  to  the 
Board.  I therefore  beg  leave  to  ask  again  what  the  sub-committee  propose  to 
discuss  with  me,  and  if  they  will  communicate  with  me  by  letter,  since  the  pres- 
ence of  friends  is  denied.  * * * 

“ You  charge  me  with  ‘ proceeding  in  a course  that  does  not  seem  well  adapt- 
ed to  promote  my  own  welfare,  nor  that  of  the  cause  which  you  would  fain  hope 
I love.’  I have  reasons  to  satisfy  my  own  mind  as  to  my  course  ; my  welfare  I 
commit  to  divine  Providence  ; and  I am  thankful  that  my  attachment  to  the 
cause  of  truth  is  not  to  be  finally  judged  by  fallible  man.  If  you  suppose  that 
every  opinion  which  does  not  perfectly  square  with  your  own  views  is  a proof  of 
disaffection  to  Christ’s  cause,  I hope  you  will  at  least  allow  me  to  refer  matters 
of  conscience  to  His  authority.  The  cold  charity  of  a ‘ fain  hope’  is  much  less 
cheering  to  me  than  the  calm  abiding  conviction  of  having  acted  on  evangelical 
principles,  though  at  the  loss  of  sympathy  and  confidence  on  the  part  of  some 
claiming  much  devotedness  to  the  Gospel  cause. 

“ You  say  that  ‘ I still  retain  the  relation  of  a missionary  to  the  Board,’  and 
you  mention  this  ‘lest  I should  have  mistaken  the  force  of  the  resolution  ad- 
vising my  return  home.’  I have  not  indeed  ‘ resigned  ;’  I have  been  perempto- 
rily recalled,  however  an  attempt  may  be  made  to  gloss  it  over  under  the  name 
of  advice  to  return  home.  I do  not  complain  of  the  Board,  nor  has  it,  as  such, 
given  me  cause  to  ‘ resign  the  executive  of  the  Board  have  recalled  me,  and 
with  them  must  rest  the  responsibility  they  have  been  so  ready  to  assume,  on 
what  I believe  can  be  shown  to  be  mistaken  and  unimportant  grounds.” 

Dr.  Anderson  replied  on  the  21st  of  October,  saying,  “ As  it  does  not  appear 
from  your  letter  of  the  17th,  that  it  will  be  inconvenient  for  you  to  meet  the  sub- 
committee on  Wednesday  the  29th  inst.,  and  that  being  the  only  time,  as  1 have 
already  informed  you,  when  it  will  be  convenient  for  them  to  meet  you  for  at 
least  three  weeks  to  come,  I am  instructed  to  request  that  you  will  meet  them 
at  that  time.  They  see  no  reason  to  depart,  in  this  case,  from  a usage,  which, 
besides  being  reasonable  and  highly  proper,  has  generally  been  found  of  a high- 
ly salutary  influence.” 

To  this  communication  on  the  25th  of  the  same  month  I replied  that,  “ I 
had  supposed  that  it  was  sufficiently  evident  from  my  letters  to  you,  that  I have 
objections  to  meeting  the  sub-committee  on  the  terms  they  propose.  I beg  leave 
therefore  distinctly  to  decline  the  proposed  interview,  until  it  shall  appear 
that  1 am  in  duty  bound  by  former  and  present  relations  to  the  Board  to  com- 
ply with  this  requisition  of  the  Committee ; or  till  I am  allowed  on  my  own 
behalf  to  introduce  some  friends  to  the  conference,  and  have  reason  to  be  satis- 
fied that  the  interview  is  both  desirable  and  important. 

“ I have  asked  you  if  I have  been  summoned  authoritatively,  but  have  receiv- 
ed no  reply  to  that  inquiry  ; I again  request  to  know  if  you  claim  authority  to 


95 


require  my  attendance,  after  having  resolved,  “ that  it  is  no  longer  expedient 
that  I should  continue  the  missionary  work  among  either  the  Mohammedans  or 
the  Nestorians  of  Persia  in  connection  with  the  Board.”  Will  an  interview 
with  the  sub-committee  cancel  my  recall,  and  restore  me  to  the  sphere  and  work 
from  which  I have  been  nearly  five  months  separated,  for  reasons  which  I think 
to  be  wholly  unsatisfactory  and  invalid.  If  the  Committee  propose  to  do  away 
their  own  act,  and  restore  me  to  the  work  to  which  I believe  Providence  em- 
phatically called  me,  I shall  be  happy  to  confer  with  them  respecting  what  has 
passed,  and  also  concerning  future  plans  and  duties  : but  if  they  only  wish  to 
convince  me  that  they  have  been  wholly  in  the  right,  and  that  I have  been 
wholly  in  the  wrong,  and  to  persuade  me  to  acquiesce  entirely  in  their  judg- 
ment, however  contrary  to  what  I conscientiously  believe  to  be  just  and  true, 
then  it  is  altogether  unlikely  a conference  on  the  subject  would  be  attended 
with  any  beneficial  result  I believe  myself,  and  also  the  cause  of  truth,  to 
have  been  not  a little  injured  by  the  course  which  the  Committee  have  seen  fit 
to  pursue,  and  I again  say  the  responsibility  which  they  have  assumed  in  this 
matter  must  rest  with  them.” 

After  waiting  about  a month  in  vain  for  a reply,  I at  length  wrote  the  follow- 
ing letter  to  the  President  of  the  Board,  which  I copy  entire,  for  although  it  re- 
peats some  things  already  stated  in  the  preceding  pages,  yet  a few  extracts 
would  by  no  means  convey  the  substance  and  import  of  the  letter  which  was  as 
follows. 

“ Monson,  24  November  1845. 

To  The  Honorable 

Theodore  Frelinghuyson,  LL.  D. 

&c.  &c.  &c. 

New  York  City. 

Sir, 

I presume  your  office  as  President  of  the 
American  Board  of  Commissioners  for  Freigon  Missions,  renders  it  proper  that 
matters  relating  to  the  Board  and  its  missionaries  should  be  brought  to  your 
notice  whenever  subjects  occur  which  are  not  satisfactorily  settled  by  the  ordi- 
nary modes  of  business  operations.  With  this  persuasion,  I respectfully  beg 
leave  to  call  your  attention  to  a few  facts  relating  to  the  late  Persian  mission. 

“ I sailed  for  the  East  in  August  1834,  and  after  a residence  of  about  eight 
months  at  Constantinople,  I proceeded  to  Persia,  whither  I arrived  in  October 
1835.  I was  instructed  to  explore  that  county  with  reference  to  the  establish- 
ment of  a mission  among  the  Persians,  in  whose  spiritual  welfare  I had  been 
led  to  take  a deep  interest.  As  I acted  oh  the  principle  of  communicating 
facts  in  as  plain  and  unvarnished  a manner  as  possible,  the  Prudential  Commit- 
tee and  Foreign  Secretary  of  the  Board  seem  early  to  have  become  discouraged, 
and  subsequently  to  have  withdrawn  their  sympathy  and  interest  from  the  sphere 
to  which  I felt  called  in  providence  to  direct  my  efforts. 


96 


“ Thisls  not  the  place  to  advocate  the  cause  of  missionary  enterprize  for 
Persia,  as  the  object  of  this  communication  is  to  make  you  acquainted  with 
what  has  transpired  in  regard  to  the  abandonment  of  that  field. 

“ It  is  with  the  utmost  regret  that  I feel  constrained  from  a sense  of  duty  to 
the  cause  of  truth  and  my  personal  rights  as  a missionary  of  the  Board  for  elev- 
en years,  to  call  in  question  some  measures  of  the  Prudential  Committee  and 
Foreign  Secretary  of  this  venerable  Institution.  For,  aside  from  personal  res- 
pect towards  them,  however  conscientious  my  course  may  have  been,  the  expe- 
rience of  others  might  teach  me,  were  other  considerations  wanting,  that  who- 
ever ventures  to  question  the  uniform  wisdom  of  the  officers  of  a large  and  re- 
spectable organization,  is  almost  sure  to  be  represented  as  arraying  himself 
against  a great  and  good  cause,  and  to  be  charged  with  an  attempt  to  overthrow 
what  he  may  once  have  appeared  zealous  to  build  up.  Men  wielding  the  con- 
centrated influence  of  a distinguished  corporate  body  may  shield  themselves  be- 
hind the  organization  in  whose  name  they  act,  and  while  the  responsibility  in  a 
given  case  is  really  and  truly  their  own,  they  may  yet  attempt  to  evade  this  re- 
sponsibility by  confounding  themselves  with  the  influential  body  of  which  they 
are  merely  the  organs,  or  with  the  cause  pursued,  which  is  often  a tower  of 
strength  to  its  own  gate-keepers,  whose  very  position  enables  them  not  only  to 
secure  themselves  but  to  cast  suspicion  on  the  exposed  sentinels  of  an  outpost, 
who  being  nearer  the  foe  may  easily  be  represented  as  tampering  with  him. 

“ It  cannot  be  necessary  to  adduce  arguments  to  show  that  the  general  fact 
involved  in  these  remarks  is  too  often  met  in  various  departments  of  life,  or  that 
the  best  and  wisest  of  men  are  still  liable  to  err,  however  prudent  their  general 
course,  and  great  their  devotedness  to  truth  may  be.  Whoever  settles  it  in  his 
creed  that  any  body  of  men  cannot  err,  is  of  course  no  longer  to  be  reasoned  with 
touching  any  matter  of  fact  relating  to  such  body,  and  there  is  usually  but  a 
short  step  from  such  a stand  to  the  position  of  refusing  a candid  hearing  to 
those  aggrieved  by  the  action  of  highly  respectable  officers  of  a venerable  organ- 
ization. You  need  not  be  told  that  the  individual  is  weak  against  the  mass,  and 
although  he  may  have  both  truth  and  justice  on  his  side  in  a given  case,  yet  his 
rights  may  be  disregarded  from  the  mere  fact  that  he  complains  of  those  repre- 
senting the  mass.  In  many  cases  it  is  prudent  to  suffer  an  injustice  rather  than 
risk  the  consequences  of  a vindication  which  may  be  represented  as  an  attack  on 
important  principles.  But  duty  to  the  cause  of  truth  may  sometimes  require 
the  sacrifice  of  personal  considerations,  and  in  reliance  on  an  overruling,  right- 
eous Providence  to  publish  facts  whoever  may  gainsay  or  oppose. 

“ The  missionary  cause  in  Persia,  in  my  humble  judgment,  requires  that  the 
action  of  the  Prudential  Committee  and  Foreign  Secretary  of  the  Board,  in  re- 
lation to  my  labors  in  that  field,  should  be  reconsidered,  and  I address  you,  as 
President  of  the  Institution,  in  the  hope  that  a satisfactory  settlement  of  this 
subject  may  be  attained  in  a way  least  calculated  to  prejudice  the  interests  of  be- 
nevolence. While  I hold  that  the  cause  oftruth  is  never  really  injured  by  truth, 


97 


it  yet  behooves  those  sincerely  attached  to  this  cause  so  to  settle  their  mutual 
claims  and  relations  that  the  opposers  of  truth  shall  not  gain  an  advantage  over 
its  advocates.  With  this  view  I appeal  to  your  candid  intervention,  and  beseech 
you,  in  the  name  of  the  missionary  cause  for  Persia  to  investigate  the  differences 
which  have  unhappily  grown  up  between  myself  and  the  Committee  and  For- 
eign Secretary  of  the  Board. 

“ I think  it  desirable  that  the  entire  correspondence  between  the  Officers  of 
the  Board  and  myself,  with  the  unpublished  communications  from  the  Nestorian 
mission,  should  be  thoroughly  and  candidly  investigated  by  unbiassed  men  ; and 
the  question  whether  a missionary  is  liable  to  be  recalled  for  the  conscientious 
exercise  of  his  judgment  within  the  limits  of  his  instructions,  should  be  settled, 
in  order  that  those  devoting  themselves  to  this  cause  may  understand  to  what 
extent  they  are  servants  of  men  for  Christ’s  sake. 

“ As  I do  not  propose  in  this  communication  to  give  you  a full  history  of  my 
missionary  course,  I shall  here  introduce  the  resolutions  of  the  Committee  abol- 
ishing the  Persian  mission,  and  authorizing  me  to  join  the  Nestorian  mission  at 
Oroomiah.  The  letter  containing  these  instructions  is  dated  October  20th 
1841,  and  was  received  by  me  on  the  23d  of  the  following  January,  and  the  res- 
olutions are  as  follows  ; namely, 

‘ “Resolved, — That  in  view  of  the  increasing  claims  of  other  fields  occupied 
“ by  the  Board,  and  the  unpromising  nature  of  that  among  the  Mohammedans 
“ of  Persia,  as  appears  from  the  general  tenor  of  Mr.  Merrick’s  correspondence 
“ during  the  five  years  and  upwards  which  he  has  spent  in  that  country,  the  Per- 
“ so-Mohammedan  mission  be  discontinued  as  a distinct  and  separate  mission. 

‘ “ Resolved, — That  Mr.  Merrick  be  authorized  to  connect  himself  with  the 
“ Nestorian  mission  at  Oroomiah.” 

“In  remarking  on  these  resolutions.  Dr.  Anderson  observes,  “You  do  not 
abandon  Persia,  nor  the  Mohammedans  of  Persia.  You  go,  if  you  choose,  to 
Oroomiah,  and  there  have  agreeable  associates,  and  nearly  or  quite  all  the  oppor- 
tunities you  now  have  of  access  to  the  Mohammedan  mind  and  heart.”  He  fur- 
ther says,  “ I earnestly  hope  that  you  will  see  your  way  clear  to  join  the  mission 
at  Oroomiah.”  It  is  proper  here  to  state  that  I had  previously  received  a formal 
invitation  from  that  mission  to  become  their  associate,  and  that  neither  they  nor 
the  Committee  alleged  anything  against  me  when  the  Persian  mission  was  aban- 
doned. Painful  as  was  this  result  I acquiesced  in  it  and  removed  to  Oroomiah. 

“ You  will  observe  that  no  specific  instructions,  relative  to  my  duties,  were 
given  me  on  my  removal  to  the  Nestorian  mission.  Although  the  ‘ Perso-Mo- 
hammedan  mission  was  discontinued  as  a distinct  and  separate  mission,’  I sup- 
posed myself  still  at  liberty  to  labor  for  the  Persians,  and  one  at  least  of  my  re- 
spected colleagues  has  since  expressed  the  same  opinion,  while  none  of  them,  to 
my  knowledge,  concluded  that  I was  bound  to  turn  aside  from  my  former  work. 
I was  then  engaged  in  preparing  a treatise  on  Astronomy  in  Persian,  and  was 
13 


98 


subsequently  authorized  by  regular  vote  of  the  mission  to  compile  a work  on 
Geography  in  the  same  language,  but  before  proceeding  far  in  that  task,  at  the 
instance  of  the  Rev.  William  Glen,  a Scottish  missionary  who  had  spent  some 
years  in  Persia,  in  making  and  revising  a translation  of  the  Old  Testament  into 
Persian,  I was  authorized,  both  by  the  mission  and  Dr.  Anderson,  to  translate 
Keith’s  Evidence  of  Prophecy  into  the  Persian  language,  — a work  which  I la- 
bored hard  to  complete  before  leaving  my  field  at  the  peremptory  requirement  of 
the  Committee.  It  is  true  that  I was  recommended  by  the  secretary  to  make 
this  translation  a secondary  work,  which  circumstances  by  no  means  enabled  me 
to  do. 

“On  the  30th  of  January  last  I received  a letter  from  Dr.  Anderson  dated 
Nov.  15th  1844,  in  which  communication  he  says,  “ in  authorizing  you  to  join 
the  Nestorian  mission,  it  was  taken  for  granted  that,  in  case  you  did  this,  you 
would  learn  the  language  of  the  Nestorians,  and  join  in  the  labors  of  the  other 
brethren  for  the  religious  benefit  of  that  people.”  After  censuring  me  for  not 
doing  what  I had  received  no  instructions  to  perform,  he  remarks  that  the  Com- 
mittee “think  it  proper  to  say  that  if  your  learning  the  Nestorian  language  is 
out  of  the  question,  as  also  (which  would  follow  of  course)  your  taking  an  active 
and  interested  part  in  the  labors  of  the  Nestorian  mission,  (properly  so  called,) 
the  Committee  would  advise  your  return  to  the  United  States.”  After  declaring 
that  the  Committee  could  encourage  no  expectation  that  a mission  would  be  es- 
tablished for  the  Persians,  he  says,  “ You  will  not  consider  this  advice  as  imply- 
ing a censure  upon  you.  It  is  hypothetical,  and  even  if  the  hypothesis  be  well 
founded,  your  statements  and  explanations,  yet  to  be  received,  may  show  that 
the  facts  in  the  case  have  not  been  wholly  within  your  control.” 

“ I submit  it  to  the  judgment  of  candid  men,  if  such  ‘ advice,'  under  the  cir- 
cumstances, does  not  imply  severe  censure.  But  instead  of  waiting,  as  he  pro- 
posed, for  my  ‘ statements  and  explanations,’  which  were  dated  the  day  after  the 
reception  of  his  letter.  Dr.  Anderson  addressed  me  another  communication  on 
February  27th  1845,  in  which  he  says,  “ it  seems  proper  and  due  to  you  that  the 
Committee  should  keep  you  informed  as  to  the  progress  of  their  views  on  the 
subject  of  your  leaving  Persia.”  Notwithstanding  I commenced  the  Syriac  lan- 
guage, as  enjoined  to  do  when  the  Nestorian  mission  was  even  in  danger  of  being 
broken  up,  still,  though  they  did  not  intend  to  imply  a censure  on  me  in  advising 
my  return,  such  was  the  rapid  progress  of  their  views  on  this  subject,  that,  with- 
out waiting  for  my  explanations,  they  issued  a peremptory  order  for  my  recall  in 
the  following  resolution,  “ adopted  by  the  Committee  with  entire  unanimity”  on 
the  25th  of  February  ; namely, 

‘ “ Resolved, — That  in  view  of  more  perfect  information  received  by  the 
Committee  since  the  5th  of  November,  they  do  not  think  it  longer  expedient 
that  the  Rev.  James  L.  Merrick  should  continue  to  prosecute  the  missionary 
work  among  either  the  Mohammedans  or  the  Nestorians  of  Persia,  in  connec- 


99 


tion  with  this  Board  ; and  that  the  secretary  for  the  foreign  correspondence  be 
instructed  to  give  him  notice  of  this  fact,  with  such  a statement  of  the  reasons 
as  shall  be  likely  to  show  Mr.  Merrick,  that  the  Committee  are  constrained  to 
this  issue  by  a sense  of  their  duty  to  the  cause.” 

“ The  ‘ reasons’  which  Dr.  Anderson  assigns  for  my  recall,  are  apparently 
founded  on  his  communications  with  the  Rev.  Willard  Jones,  who  left  the  Nes- 
torian  mission  last  year,  although  letters  written  by  myself  and  other  members 
of  the  mission  in  October  1844,  are  referred  to  as  having  influenced  the  views 
of  the  Committee.  I have  not  yet  had  an  opportunity  of  ascertaining  whether 
Mr.  Jones  intended  to  convey  altogether  the  impression  which  Dr.  Anderson  ap- 
pears to  have  received,  and  which  is  summed  up  in  four  particulars  as  the  rea- 
sons for  my  recall  as  follows  ; namely, 

“‘1.  He  states,  that  you  have  made  no  effort  to  acquire  the  Syriac  language. 

I ‘ “ 2.  He  states,  that,  though  conversant  with  the  Turkish  language,  and 
though  that  language  is  understood  by  very  many  at  least  of  the  Nestorians,  you 
do  not  employ  it  in  missionary  labors  among  that  people ; and  that  you  do  not 
regard  yourself  as  called  in  duty  to  labor  for  the  spiritual  good  of  that  people. 

‘ “ 3.  He  states,  that  you  continue  to  regard  the  Perso-Mohammedans  as  con- 
stituting the  only  field  of  missionary  labor  to  which  Providence  calls  you,  and 
that  your  efforts  are  confined  to  them  ; except  that  you  take  part  in  the  genera  1 
deliberations  of  the  mission,  and  act  as  a medium  of  communication,  when  one 
is  needed,  between  your  brethren  of  the  mission  and  the  Persians. 

‘ “ 4.  He  states,  that  you  are  exerting  a civilizing  influence  upon  the  Persians, 
but  admits  fully  that  you  do  not  in  any  proper  sense  of  the  word,  preach,  the 
gospel  to  them  ; and  in  reply  to  an  inquiry,  he  said,  that  if  it  were  contrary  to 
the  principles  of  the  Board  to  have  a mission  where  the  gospel  was  not  preached, 

I the  Board  could  not  properly  support  your  mission  to  the  Mohammedans.” 

“ Dr.  Anderson  remarks,  that,  “ Mr.  Jones’  statements  were  all  that  were 
wanting  to  make  the  path  of  duty  for  the  Committee  clear  to  all  the  members. 
The  Committee  have  no  belief  whatever  that  it  would  be  wise  for  the  Board  to 
think  of  establishing  a mission  among  the  Perso-Mohammedans.  Nor  would 
they  have  advised  to  your  joining  the  Nestorian  mission,  had  they  supposed  that 
you  would  continue  to  make  the  Mohammedans  an  object  of  exclusive,  or  even 
of  primary  interest.” 

“ I leave  it  to  unbiassed  judges  to  say,  that,  if  such  were  their  views,  whether 
1 it  was  not  obligatory  on  them  to  have  instructed  me  to  devote  my  time  and  at- 
tention to  the  Nestorians,  and  if  I am  justly  censurable  for  having  cherished  an 
' attachment  to  the  Persians,  and  for  having  labored  for  their  benefit,  especially 
! when  there  was  a strong  force  in  the  Nestorian  field. 

1 “ Please  recur  to  the  specifications  assigned  as  reasons  for  my  recall,  and  re- 

collect under  the  first  head,  that  I had  received  no  instructions  to  study  Syriac 
till  last  winter,  and  that  I complied  with  the  requisition. 


100 


“ In  regard  to  my  not  preaching  to  the  Nestorians  in  Turkish,  I never  pos- 
sessed the  ability  properly  to  do  this,  not  having  studied  the  dialect  in  question, 
although  I had  picked  up  enough  of  the  language  for  purposes  of  common  in- 
tercourse. Persian  was  my  working  language. 

“ It  is  true  that  I did  regard  the  Persians  as  constituting  the  peculiar  sphere 
of  my  labors,  nor  did  my  instructions  forbid  this ; still,  I took  a cordial  interest 
in  the  welfare  of  the  Nestorians,  on  whose  account  I was  much  hindered  in  car- 
rying forward  the  specific  work  assigned  me  by  the  mission  and  authorized  by 
the  Committee. 

“ In  reference  to  my  “ exerting  a civilizing  influence  upon  the  Persians,”  I 
think  it  matter  of  gratitude  to  God,  if  I have  been  enabled  to  accomplish  even 
this,  and  perhaps  I may  be  pardoned  for  introducing  in  this  connection  a quota- 
tion from  a letter  addressed  to  my  wife  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Perkins,  my  late  col- 
league at  Oroomiah,  in  which  communication  he  says,  “ Though  our  Committee 
have  come  at  last  so  fully  to  the  decision  that  they  can  do  nothing  more  for  the 
Mohammedans  of  Persia,  because  the  gospel  cannot  he  directly  preached  to 
them  — a result  to  which  they  seem  to  have  been  verging  for  many  years,  still 
your  dear  husband  should  not  think,  nor  feel  that  he  has  lived  and  labored  and 
prayed  in  Persia  in  vain.  Nor  should  he  ever  regret  that  he  made  this  his  chosen 
field.  The  savor  of  his  holy  life  and  example  have  gone  abroad  in  this  country 
far  and  wide,  and  it  will  never  be  lost,  to  say  nothing  of  his  labors  in  putting  val- 
uable books  into  the  Persian  language.  When  I was  at  Tehreln  last  winter, 
whither  I was  driven  by  an  attack  on  our  mission  by  the  Jesuits,  I found  that  the 
Shah*  even  was  as  familiar  with  Mr.  Merrick’s  name  as  with  that  of  his  own 
brothers,  and  that  His  Majesty  cherished  for  him  the  profoundest  esteem  and  re- 
gard, as  a man  of  God,  to  use  his  own  expression,  as  well  as  a man  of  science. 
Such  an  impression,  I feel  assured,  will  not  be  lost  on  Persia,  in  years  and  ages 
to  come.” 

“An  English  gentleman  at  Tehran  informed  me  last  year,  that  having  some 
business  to  transact  with  the  Shah  in  behalf  of  the  American  missionaries  at 
Oroomiah,  his  Majesty  said,  (literally  translated  from  the  Persian,)  “ One  of 
them  is  Mr.  Merrick,  and  he  is  a very  good  man — knowing  God — a possessor  of 
religion — a master  of  science,  and  a very  good  man.”  You  will  not  under- 
stand that  I am  inclined  to  overvalue  oriental  compliments,  however  voluntary 
they  may  be,  though  the  reputation  which  a missionary  acquires  among  foreign- 
ers is  perhaps  worthy  of  some  consideration. 

“ In  not  being  able  to  preach  the  Gospel  directly  to  the  Persians,  in  Dr.  An- 
derson’s ‘ sense  of  the  word,’  I have  only  been  subject  to  the  condition  under 
which  Martvn,  Pfander,  Haas,  and  Glen,  have  labored  in  Persia,  and  I ap- 
peal to  the  Church  if  I am  justly  liable  to  censure  on  account  of  Providential 
restrictions  over  which  I could  have  no  control.  Preaching  the  Gospel  as 


\ 


King  of  Persia. 


101 


Christ  did  at  the  well  of  Samaria,  and  communicating  religious  truth  as  the  peo- 
ple are  able  to  bear  it,  with  explanations  and  proofs  of  our  faith,  and  imparting 
scientific  knowledge,  is  not  a work,  it  appears,  which  the  Prudential  Committee 
and  Foreign  Secretary  of  the  American  Board  can  authorize  and  sustain. 
From  their  decision  in  this  matter,  I take  a solemn  appeal  to  the  churches,  and 
to  the  great  Head  of  the  Church. 

“ As  it  is  not  the  object  of  this  letter  to  argue  the  cause  of  missions  for  Per- 
sia, but  to  state  as  briefly  as  possible  the  facts  relating  to  my  recall,  I proceed 
to  notice  another  alledged  reason  for  this  measure,  which,  though  not  categori- 
cally stated,  is  yet  urged  as  one  ground  of  the  censure  and  judgment  pronounc- 
ed against  me. 

“ Referring  to  a letter  which  I wrote  in  October  last  year,  at  the  direction  of 
the  mission,  on  the  subject  of  our  difficulties  with  the  Nestorian  ecclesiastics, 
i Dr.  Anderson  observes,  “ it  appears  that  were  you  to  enter  upon  missionary 
i work  with  direct  reference  to  the  Nestorians,  it  would  be  with  views  and  feel- 
ings in  some  important  respects  very  unlike  those  of  the  great  part  of  your  breth- 

I ren  and  he  further  remarks,  “ that  the  views  entertained  by  the  Committee 
i fall  in  substantially,  with  those  of  the  majority  of  the  mission.” 

“ Now  admitting  that  there  was  a conscientious  difference  of  opinion,  on  some 
subjects,  in  the  Nestorian  mission,  is  that  a sufficient  cause,  or  any  just  reason 
whatever,  for  recalling  a party  without  adducing  proof  to  show  that  they  enter- 
tained serious  error,  which  in  my  case  has  neither  been  done  nor  attempted  ; on 
the  contrary,  previous  to  my  leaving  the  mission.  Dr.  Anderson  had  laid  down 
for  our  guidance  substantially  the  same  principles  of  missionary  policy  which  I 
had  all  along  advocated,  and  to  which  “ the  majority  of  the  mission”  were  in 
effect  verging.  On  most  subjects  there  was  much  unanimity  among  us,  but 
! difference  of  sentiment  did  arise  on  some  important  questions  growing  out  of 
; the  general  policy  into  which  the  mission  had  glided,  even  to  the  extent  of  vir- 
tually salarying  men  for  their  influence,  and  not  advising  and  requiring  profess- 
ed converts  to  refrain  from  using  in  the  established  liturgy*  invocations  to  the 
saints  and  Virgin  Mary,  thus  offering  incense  on  the  altar  of  Nestorian  idolatry, 
yet  are  the  executive  officers  of  the  Board  invested  with  papal  authority  to  cen- 
i sure  and  punish  the  missionaries  of  the  churches  for  the  reasonable  exercise  of 
a conscientious  judgment  whenever  such  opinion  happens  to  differ  from  their 
own  views?  If  our  missionary  organizations  are  in  any  danger  of  growing  into 
Propagandat  power  and  policy,  those  who  sustain  them,  and  those  who  labor 
under  them,  should  be  early  aware  of  it,  and  prepared  for  the  emergency. 

* The  Nestorian  liturgy,  embracing  the  regular  service,  like  the  Catholic  form,  contains 
j many  invocations  of  Saints,  and  although  some  of  the  converts  of  1846  are  said  to  omit  these 
li  idolatrous  passages  in  public  worship,  yet  I am  not  aware  that  either  the  mission  or  the  exec- 

I I utive  have  adopted  any  formal  measures  on  this  glaring  subject, — no  convert  being  received 
M into  the  mission  church  or  ecclesiastically  separated  from  the  common  faith  of  his  people. 

t The  Propaganda  de  Fide  founded  at  Rome  in  1622,  may  be  regarded  as  tlie  oldest,  and 


102 


“ On  my  return  to  the  United  States,  the  23d  of  September  last,  I made  a 
few  written  requests  of  the  Committee,  the  principal  of  which  were  that  I might 
have  the  privilege  of  seeing  my  letters  addressed  to  the  Missionary  House,  and 
of  correcting  my  own  copies  by  said  letters,  with  permission  to  copy  likewise 
such  portions  of  Dr.  Anderson’s  letters  to  the  Nestorian  mission  as  I might 
think  proper.  These  requests  have  not  to  my  knowledge  been  complied  with. 

“ A sub-committee  was  appointed  to  meet  me,  but  as  permission  to  introduce 
some  friends  to  act  as  advisers  and  witnesses  in  the  interview,  has  been  refused,  I 
have  declined  waiting  on  the  sub-committee,  “ until  it  shall  appear  that  I am  in 
duty  bound,  by  former  and  present  relations  to  the  Board,  to  comply  with  the 
requisition  of  the  Committee,  or  till  1 am  allowed  on  my  own  behalf,  to  intro- 
duce some  friends  to  the  conference,  aud  have  reason  to  be  satisfied  that  the  in- 
terview is  both  desirable  and  important.”  The  last  sentence  of  the  above  quo- 
tation, is  in  reference  to  Dr.  Anderson’s  declining  to  state  any  topic  proposed  to 
be  discussed  by  the  sub-committee. 

“ The  letter  from  which  the  foregoing  extract  is  taken,  was  written  on  the 
25th  ult.  in  reply  to  Dr.  Anderson’s  favor  of  the  21st  of  last  month,  since  which 
date  1 have  received  no  communication  from  the  Missionary  House,  and  from 
this  long  silence,  conclude  that  it  is  not  the  intention  of  the  executive  of  the 
Board  to  hold  any  farther  intercourse  with  me  on  the  subject  of  my  recall. 

“ In  a letter  dated  October  15th,  Dr.  Anderson  remarks,  “ you  still  sustain 
the  relation  of  a missionary  to  the  Board  ; not  having  resigned  nor  by  vote  of 
the  Committee  yet  released  from  your  connection  with  it.”  To  this  I replied, 
that,  “ I do  not  complain  of  the  Bo.\rd,  nor  has  it,  as  such,  given  me  cause  to 
‘ resign  the  executive  of  the  Board  have  recalled  me,  and  with  them  must 
rest  the  responsibility  they  have  been  so  ready  to  assume  on  what  I believe  can 
be  shown  to  be  mistaken  and  unimportant  grounds.” 

“ It  is  proper  to  say  that  previous  to  my  leaving  Asia,  I sent  Dr.  Anderson 
two  long  letters  on  the  subject  of  my  recall,  explaining  facts  and  stating  circum- 
stances relating  to  the  general  subject.  Although  those  letters  have  not  been 
acknowledged,  I presume  they  have  been  received. 

“ From  the  foregoing  view  of  the  case  you  will  gather  a general  understand- 
ing of  my  position,  and  if  on  any  point  you  desire  more  particular  information, 
I shall  be  happy  to  furnish  it  as  far  as  in  my  power. 

•“  I appeal  to  you  in  the  name  of  Christ’s  cause  in  Persia,  and  by  your  love  of 
truth,  freedom  and  benevolence,  I invoke  your  candid  examination  of  a matter 
which  affects  not  me  merely,  but  the  interests  of  the  missionary  work. 

“ You  will  naturally  conclude  that  I must  be  anxious  to  have  this  matter  sat- 
isfactorily settled,  and  I beg  you  therefore,  at  your  earliest  convenience  to  take 
it  into  consideration,  or  at  least  to  inform  me  whether  I may  expect  your  kind 

has  been  the  most  arbitrary  and  powerful  missionary  society  of  modern  times,  as  well  as  of 
most  unscrupulous  expediency  in  its  measures. 


I 


103 


intervention  in  the  case.  In  my  humble  opinion,  not  simply  the  welfare  of  a re- 
called missionary  is  concerned  in  this  matter,  but  some  important  principles  and 
interests  pertaining  to  the  great  cause  of  benevolence,  truth  and  righteousness. 
For  these,  and  for  His  sake  whom  we  profess  to  serve,  I respectfully  ask  your 
candid  attention  to  the  case  submitted  to  your  consideration. 

“ With  sentiments  of  great  respect,  believe  me,  Sir,  to  be. 

Yours  very  sincerely, 

J.  L.  Merrick.” 

In  due  time  I was  favored  with  the  following  reply. 

“ New  York,  Nov.  28,  1845. 


Rev.  J.  L.  Merrick, 

Dear  Sir, 

I have  read  and  considered  your  Com- 
munication, to  me,  as  President  of  the  American  Board,  complaining  of  the 
course  pursued  by  the  Prudential  Committee  and  Foreign  Secretary.  You  will 
perceive  that  I am  the  mere  organ  of  the  Board,  possessing  no  ofBcial  power 
whatever  except  as  a member  of  the  Board.  I can  therefore  take  no  jurisdic- 
tion of  the  matters  stated  by  you,  that  w'ill  lead  to  any  satisfactory  decision  or 
result.  It  seems  to  me,  to  be  the  true  course  in  all  matters  complaining  of  the 
Prudential  Committee,  to  have  recourse  to  the  Board. 

Yours  very  respectfully  and  truly, 

I (Signed)  Theo.  Frelinghuysen.” 

To  this  note  I replied,  that,  “ I was  aware  that  ‘ you  possessed  no  official  pow- 
j er’  to  adjudicate  cases  between  the  executive  and  missionaries  of  the  Board. 

But  I had  supposed  that  the  President  of  the  Board  possessed  a supervisory  pow- 
i er,  and  should  a case  of  great  emergency  occur,  the  spirit  of  the  constitution 
I and  the  tenor  of  his  office  would  require  him  to  take  measures  to  have  the  crisis 
I met ; consequently,  if  matters  of  high  moment  should  claim  his  attention,  sub- 
I jects  of  minor  importance,  not  otherwise  provided  for,  might  be  referred  to  his 
I consideration.  If  his  office  is  merely  to  preside  at  the  annual  meeting  of  the 
I Board,  there  certainly  appears  to  be  a power  wanting  to  meet  possible  emergen- 
cies. * * * 


“ I am  far  from  wishing  to  urge  this  matter  on  your  attention  contrary  to  your 
own  views  of  official  duty,  although  I may  have  flattered  myself  that  the  princi- 
I pies  and  interests  involved  in  the  case  might  receive  some  consideration.  I on- 
ly ask  a candid  investigation,  and.  Providence  permitting,  can  wait  for  it,  though 
the  cause  concerned  and  my  personal  interests  may  meanwhile  suffer. 

“ As  I understand  you  to  decline  inquiring  into  the  case,  either  in  your  of- 
ficial capacity,  or  simply  as  a distinguished  friend  of  the  missionary  cause,  I 
must  turn  to  other  quarters,  yet  deeply  regretting  that  a plea  relating  to  the 
most  interesting  portion  of  a sect  embracing  more  than  an  eighth  of  the  human 
ii  race,  finds  so  cold  a reception  and  so  poor  an  advocate.” 


104 


It  will  be  observed  that  the  President  of  the  Board  disclaims  all  official  power 
to  interpose  in  any  way  in  the  management  of  the  executive,  who,  however  they 
may  be  theoretically  amenable  to  the  ^encrnZ  council  of  the  Board,  annually  as- 
sembled, are  still  virtually  irresponsible,  since  in  the  opinion  of  many  well  in- 
formed on  the  subject,  this  resort,  as  matters  now  stand,  is  of  little  or  no  avail. 
And  till  the  executive  is  really  infallible,  the  good  of  the  cause  requires  that  a 
proper  court  of  appeal  be  instituted,  and  ably  sustained,  to  which  officers  and 
missionaries  may  equally  refer  their  respective  claims.  The  decisions  of  such 
a court  would,  of  course,  be  subject  to  the  revision  of  the  Board  duly  organized, 
though  few  cases  would  be  likely  to  go  up  to  that  body  for  final  adjustment. 

Let  it  not  be  forgotten  that  the  reasons  assigned  for  my  recall  in  Dr.  Ander- 
son’s letter  directing  me  to  return  to  America,  and  which  are  recapitulated  in 
my  communication  to  Mr.  Frelinghuysen,  being,  as  they  are,  the  formal  and  of- 
Jicial  grounds  for  that  measure,  are  properly  and  legally  the  only  reasons 
which  the  executive  can  ever  urge  in  support  of  that  proceeding.  For,  any  after 
considerations,  which  can  possibly  be  raked  up  or  fabricated,  cannot  affect  their 
previous  decision  in  the  case,  when  no  such  considerations  were  even  pretend- 
ed to  exist.  Like  honest  men  therefore,  let  the  executive  stand  or  fall  with  their 
own  chosen  “ reasons,”  and  not  attempt  to  evade  a clear  point  of  law  by  efforts 
to  eke  out  their  case  with  vain  surmises  or  unfounded  reports  by  whomsoever 
originated.  Even  should  they  be  able  to  prove,  which  most  certainly  they  never 
will,  that  I had  espoused  all  the  dogmas  of  Islam  or  Nestorianism  in  Persia,  still 
not  having  entered  the  charge  in  their  first  indictment,  they  cannot  of  course, 
plead  such  a reason  as  part  and  parcel  of  their  original  act.  There,  their  meas- 
ure stands,  on  its  five  plainly  asserted  “ reasons,”  and  these  failing,  my  recall 
turns  to  their  own  condemnation. 

In  regard  to  the  information  communicated  to  the  executive  by  Mr.  Jones, 
and  on  which  so  much  stress  is  laid  by  the  secretary,  it  is  proper  that  the  re- 
turned missionary  himself  should  have  the  opportunity  to  make  his  own  explana- 
tion. This  Appeal  having  been  submitted  to  his  perusal  in  manuscript,  in  com- 
municating his  approbation  of  the  entire  view  I have  presented,  under  date  of 
‘ June  30,  1847,’  he  says,  “ I see  by  your  ‘ narrative’  in  the  copy  of  Dr.  Ander- 
son’s letter  to  you  of  February  27,  1845,  what  you  had  before  assured  me,  that 
Dr.  A.  credits  to  me  the  last  information,  and  “ all  that  was  wanting  to  make  the 
path  of  duty  for  the  Committee  clear  to  all  the  members.”  If  this  is  true,  cer- 
tain I am  that  very  little  light  sufficed  them.  I suspect  they  had  got  their  light 
from  a private  source  which  was,  in  their  opinion,  more  to  be  relied  upon  than 
my  statements.  Perhaps  it  was  received  when  Dr.  Anderson  says,  “ it  has  come 
to  our  knowledge,  in  consequence  of  Mr.  Jones’  application  to  returnhome,  that 
you  do  not  concur  with  the  greater  number  of  your  brethren  in  the  mission  as 
to  the  course  of  measures  which  is  best  adapted  to  promote  the  objects  of  the 
Nestorian  mission.”  Certainly  if  the  Committee  had  been  very  scrupulous  of 


105 


justice,  they  would  have  wanted  better  evidence  than  a few  selections  from  my 
remarks,  “in  the  progress  of  a free  conversation  about  the  Nestorian  mission,” 
at  “ an  interview  of  some  length”  reported  by  Dr.  Anderson,  who,  if  they  could 
see  half  as  far  into  the  man  as  I saw,  must  have  known  that  he  was  trying  to 
find  reasons  for  your  recall. 

“ ‘ In  the  course  of  a free  conversation,’  I may  have  said  just  the  words  that 
are  attributed  to  me.  I may  have  said  that  you  bad  made  no  ejfort  to  learn  the 
Syriac  language,  though  I knew  that  you  had  read  or  studied  it  a little,  and  in 
this  connection,  have  said,  that  you  thought,  as  we  all  did,  that  yonx  principal 
work  was  with  the  Mohammedans,  and  that  that  department  was  enough  for  one 
man.  I spoke  of  your  extensive  acquaintance,  and  wide  and  salutary  influence 
among  all  classes  of  the  Mohammedans,  and  of  the  influence  of  your  life  upon 
Nestorians  and  Mohammedans.  I remember  distinctly  of  saying,  when  I ad- 
mitted that  yon  did  not  preach  in  the  common  acceptation  of  the  term  to  the 
Persians,  that  you  could  do  it,  only  assure  the  moollas  and  others  that  “ you  did 
not  wish  to  change  their  religion  at  all,”  and  pay  them  for  bringing  their  people 
together,  as  was  done  in  the  case  of  the  Nestorians,  And  the  Doctor  replied, 
“ If  the  moollas  will  bring  their  people  out  to  hear  the  gospel,  and  will  give  their 
influence  in  favor  of  the  gospel,  let  him  do  it.” 
j “ I did  say  that  you  might  preach  to  the  Nestorians  in  Turkish,  knowing  that 
I I had  heard  it  said  that  you  understood  the  language  better  than  some  who  had 
i preached  in  that  language.  Still,  being  almost  entirely  ignorant  of  that  language 
[ myself,  I was  not  a proper  judge  of  your  qualifications.  I went  on  the  testi- 
I mony  of  others,  drawing  my  conclusion  from  their  comparisons  ; and  that  you 
i did  not,  was  not  only,  that  you  and  we  regarded  the  Mohammedans  as  your 
proper  department,  and  affording  work  enough  for  you,  but  that  there  were 
enough  to  meet  the  demands  of  the  Nestorians  without  you.  Were  it  not  so,  I 
had  no  doubt  you  would  preach  to  them  in  Turkish.  If  I rightly  remember,  I 
remarked  in  the  course  of  the  “ free  conversation,”  that  a great  portion  of  Dr. 
Wright’s  time  had  been  given  to  the  Mohammedans,  and  to  learning  the  Persian 
language;  that  much  intercourse  must  be  had  with  them,  in  the  way  of  visit, 
ing,  etc.,  and  that,  since  you  had  been  connected  with  the  mission,  we  had  thrown 
nearly  all  this  upon  you  and  Dr.  Wright,  leaving  the  rest  of  the  members  of  the 
mission  free  to  prosecute  labors  among  the  Nestorians  uninterrupted. 

“ In  satisfying  Dr.  Anderson  that  you  were  not  idle,  (which  is  the  last  charge 
that  any  body  knowing  your  missionary  labors,  could  suppose  would  ever  be 
brought  against  you,)  I told  him  that  you  were  doing  the  work  the  Committee 
had  given  you  to  do,  with  great  diligence,  and  that  you  had  had  much  to  do  by 
! way  of  mediating  between  the  mission  and  the  authorities.  But  I saw  that 
i every  thing  that  I said  was  {apparently  at  least)  wanted  to  be  found  convertible 
iinto  evidence  against  you.  I think  you  will  find  by  looking  at  the  letter  I wrote 
'you  soon  after  this  “ free  conversation,”  that  I conveyed  the  same  impression  to 
I you  then,  and  so  strong  were  my  apprehensions  that  you  would  be  recalled,  I 
warned  you  to  have  your  shoes  on  your  feet  and  your  staff  in  your  hand. 


106 


“ One  thing  more  I will  add  in  respect  to  the  Board  employing  men  who  do 
not  preach  the  gospel  directly.  I strongly  insisted  that  the  work  you  were  do- 
ing was  ample  return  for  the  money  it  cost,  and  it  would  be  a very  great  loss  to 
the  Board  to  lose  your  services;  but  if  such  were  their  rules,  they  must  act 
conscientiously.  That  I said  “ they  could  not  properly  support  your  mission  to 
the  Mohammedans,”  does  not  look  very  likely,  as  we  never  spoke  of  your  depart- 
ment of  labor,  as  a mission.  However,  the  Doctor’s  own  words  show  that  he 
has  not  given  the  full  and  fair  interpretation  of  that  “ free  conversation,”  or  I am 
not  a man  capable  of  expressing  feelings  of  friendship.  He  says,  “ with  evident 
feelings  of  strong  friendship  for  you,”  I stated  these  things  that  he  has  reported  ■ 
and  again,  “nothing  could  have  been  more  evident  than  the  friendly,  and  even 
partial  feelings  entertained  by  Mr.  Jones  towards  yourself.”  These  two  clauses 
themselves  are  enough  to  show  that  Dr.  Anderson  has  only  reported  a selected 
portion  of  that  “ free  conversation.”  And  yet  it  is  made  the  basis  on  which  turns 
the  action  of  a great  Corporation,  affecting,  not  merely  one  man,  but  how  many 
and  how  long,  none  can  now  calculate.” 

In  the  same  letter,  respecting  the  correctness  of  this  narrative,  Mr.  Jones  re- 
marks, “ In  reading  it  over  carefully  as  I have  done,  I see  not  where  you  could 
have  turned  to  the  right  hand  or  to  the  left,  and  done  better,  or  as  well.  It  is 
the  truth,  and  nothing  but  the  truth,  as  far  as  my  knowledge  goes.  You  have 
not  told  all  that  / know,  and  I do  not  suppose  any  body  ever  will  or  can,  till  I 
tell  it  myself.  I hope  I shall  be  willing  to  stand  in  my  lot.” 

Most  competent  judges  would  probably  agree  that  only  a connected  and  intel- 
ligible discourse,  on  a scriptural  subject,  could  properly  be  denominated  preach- 
ing, however  a stammering,  well-meant,  ill-understood  address,  in  a strange 
language,  may  be  dignified  with  that  title.  It  will  be  observed  that  the  main 
reason  assigned  by  Mr.  Jones  for  my  attempting  no  more  direct  labor  among  the 
Nestorians,  was  that,  “ there  were  enough  in  that  department  without  me,"  a fact 
which  I urged  on  Dr.  Anderson  in  my  letter  of  19th  July  1845.  Mr.  Perkins, 
as  well  as  Dr.  Wright,  paid  considerable  attention  to  the  Persian  language,  the 
former  especially  after  Mr.  Jones  left  Oroomiah,  nor  do  I know  that  any  one  ^ 
except  myself  has  ever  been  censured  for  attending  to  such  pursuits.  Turkish 
being  the  common  language  of  all  classes  in  that  region,  most  of  the  missiona- 
ries acquired  some  knowledge  of  it,  and  one  or  more  of  them  may  have  profess- 
ed to  ‘preach’  in  that  dialect ; which,  if  they  knew  the  language  less  than  my- 
self, as  seems  to  have  been  asserted,  they  were  but  poorly  prepared  to  do,  al- 
though zeal  in  their  own  proper  department  of  labor  is  to  be  commended. 

While  I was  considering  the  matter  of  memorializing  the  Board,  according 
to  suggestions  I had  received,  the  Rev.  Alfred  Ely,  D.  D.,  of  Monson,  taking  a 
kind  interest  in  my  case,  at  length  wrote  Dr.  Anderson  on  the  subject,  and 
the  result  of  their  correspondence  was  that  on  the  4th  of  Feb.  1846, 1 met  the  Rev. 
Messrs.  Anderson,  Greene,  and  Treat  of  the  Missionary  House,  with  Dr.  Ely, 
Rev.  E.  Russell  of  Springfield,  and,  Rev.  A.  R.  Baker  of  Medford,  as  a com- 


107 


mittee  of  friends  on  my  behalf,  whom  I had  chosen  in  accordance  with  the  terms 
stated  by  Dr.  A.  to  Dr.  Ely  on  this  subject.  In  reference  to  this  consultation, 
on  ‘ Jan.  21,  1846,’  Dr.  Anderson  had  said,  “ Nor  are  the  secretaries  averse  to 
Mr.  Merrick’s  bringing  friends  with  him  to  the  interview,  provided  they  be  not 
persons  with  whom  the  Prudential  Committee  have  had  difficulties  in  time  past, 
and  that  they  be  persons  who  will  be  likely  to  take  a candid  and  intelligent  view  of 
the  matter  in  hand.”  No  new  charges  were  preferred  against  me  in  the  conference, 
but  the  secretaries  endeavored  to  justify  my  recall  chiefly  on  the  ground  of  my  hav- 
ing labored  for  the  Persians,  instead  of  the  Nestorians,  which  point  my  friends 
agreed,  at  most,  involved  only  a misunderstanding  of  the  intended  instructions  of 
the  executive.  In  the  conference  I pointedly  asked  Dr.  Anderson  if  they  had  re- 
ceived any  information  on  my  case  which  had  not  been  brought  forward  by  them  ; 
to  which  he  replied,  “ We  get  all  the  information  we  can.”  But  when  I immedi- 
ately pressed  him  to  declare  if  he  had  received  secret  intelligence  against  me,  he 
was  silent,  and  was  distinctly  understood  by  others  present  to  admit  the  fact ; and 
he  even  entered  into  an  argument  to  show  the  importance  of  ‘ getting  all  the  infor- 
mation he  could,’  and  illu.strated  the  point  by  reference  to  one  or  more  of  the  Sy- 
rian missionaries.  While  I have  ever  held  that  the  executive  should  be  supplied, 
fairly  and  candidly,  with  all  possible  means  of  judging  what  is  best  to  be  done 
in  their  official  relations,  I protest,  for  conscience’  sake,  against  their  condemn- 
ing one  missionary,  in  any  wise,  on  the  secret  and  undisclosed  testimony  of  an- 
other. I am  confident  that  all  my  friends  present  at  the  conference,  were  im- 
pressed with  the  opinion  recently  expressed  to  me  by  one  of  them  ; namely,  that 
‘ the  executive  had  got  information  on  which  they  relied,  touching  my  case,  and 
that  nothing  I could  say  would  alter  their  judgment.’  I happen  to  know  some- 
thing explicit  about  this  secret  information,  let  it  have  been  much  or  little,  di- 
rectly or  indirectly  communicated,  but  it  is  not  necessary  now  to  say  more  than 
to  repeat  a sentiment  already  expressed  on  this  subject, — is  it  rig/tt  and  just 
thus  to  do  1 

In  the  course  of  the  interview,  and  apparently  for  lack  of  other  reasons  to 
justify  my  recall.  Dr.  Anderson  produced  a letter  from  one  of  the  brethren  at 
Oroomiah,  who  declared  that,  ‘ t/icy  all  thought  that  the  Committee  had  dealt 
leniently  by  me!’  Et  tu  Brute?*  “Is  this  thy  kindness  to  thy  friend?” 
What  ? the  severest  censure  in  the  power  of  the  executive  to  inflict,  is  this  len- 
iency itself  to  him  whose  “ holy  life  and  example,  and  whose  labors  and  prayers 
for  Persia,  will  never  be  lost !”  Leniently  I why  then,  what  evil  have  I done  ? 
And  they  all  think  so  ? Alas,  that  every  Job  should  so  soon  be  thought  to  have 
well  deserved  his  fate. 

Ah,  my  brethren  have  dealt  deceitfully, 

Like  an  orient  brook  whose  only  source 

Is  the  mountain  snow  and  ice,  that  yielding 

Under  vernal  smiles  bestows  a fulsome 

**  And  thou,  Brutus  — Cassar’s  rebuke  when  his  friend  Brirtus  stabbed  him. 


108 


Needless  torrent  on  the  vale,  but  what  time 
The  summer  drouglitof  trouble  comes  in  wrath, 

And  nature  faints  for  some  few  cordial  drops, 

The  boastful  stream  of  lavisl)  promises, 

Has  vanislied,  turning  to  sirocco  breatli. 

But  wlien  all  forsook  and  reproached  me,  where  was  he  especially  who  had 
bid  me  adieu  with  such  avow-ed  regret,  such  high  encomium,  and  so  friendly  a 
kiss  ! Had  he  so  sadly  deceived  himself  and  others  respecting  the  merits  of  one 
who  ever  treated  him  with  kindness,  prays  for  his  welfare,  and  hopes  to  meet  him 
and  all  his  associates  where  imperfection  will  no  more  mar  immortal  union  and 
felicity.  But  is  it  not  possible  that  good  brother  in  his  devotion  to  his  superiors 
was  really  mistaken  in  regard  to  the  opinions  of  some  of  his  colleagues?  May 
not  a glow'ing  imagination  which  has  befriended  him  so  many  times,  have  in  this 
one  instance  beguiled  his  pen  into  some  mistake  of  coloring,  that  deepening 
under  the  salt  breezes  of  the  broad  Atlantic  and  the  close  breath  of  the  Mission- 
ary House,  at  length  the  picture  appeared  very  differently  at  Boston  from  what 
it  should  have  done  w hen  first  sketched  at  Oroomiah.  This  conclusion  seems 
unavoidable,  for  one  of  the  five  brethren  of  that  mission,  under  date  of  ‘Octo- 
ber 23,  1S4G,’  in  reference  to  the  above  declaration,  says,  “ You  ask  if  I sub- 
scribed to  a sentiment  in  a letter  to  Dr.  Anderson  last  year,  saying  that  in  the 
opinion  of  all  our  mission  the  Committee  had  dealt  very  leniently  with  you.  By 
whom  and  when  was  such  a letter  wTitten  ? I cannot  remember  that  any  letter 
has  been  written  to  Dr.  A.  by  direction  of  the  mission  in  relation  to  you  since 
you  left  us.  What  individuals  have  written  has  been  on  their  own  responsibility, 
and  I do  not  recollect  that  any  such  sentiment  has  been  expressed  in  the  letter 
of  an  individual  even.  If  e.xpressed,  I can  assure  you  that  I gave  my  sanction 
to  it  in  no  manner.” 

Another  member  of  that  mission  in  replying  to  the  same  inquiry,  in  Novem- 
ber 1846,  notices  also  the  general  fact  of  my  recall,  and  says,  “ From  all  that  I 
have  heard  on  the  subject,  I am  of  opinion  that  when  the  Committee  removed 
you  to  Oroomiah,  it  w’as  not  so  much  with  a view  of  changing  your  labors  as  of 
taking  from  their  records  the  name  of  a mission  which  did  not  afford  abundant 
^interesting  intelligence”  of  the  right  character.  And  I am  of  opinion  that  you 
would  not  have  been  recalled,  could  you  have  coincided  in  the  views  of  the  ma- 
jority on  questions  of  missionary  policy.  I have  a very  indistinct  recollection 
of  the  points  in  the  report  to  which  you  refer,  but  have  a distinct  recollection 
that  it  occasioned  much  feeling,  and  that  where  it  bore  upon  you  personally, 
two  individuals  of  the  mission  strongly  dissented  from  it.  It  is  but  justice  to 
the  majority  to  say  that,  while  they  were  saying  and  writing  bitter  things  against 
you  personally,  they  tried  to  persuade  themselves  that  they  had  a high  regard  for 
you  as  a man  and  as  a Christian,  and  that  they  only  felt  bitterness  against  certain 
opinions  held  by  you,  conceived  by  them  to  be  erroneous.  I have  said  that  had 
your  opinions  agreed  with  those  of  the  majority  you  would  not  have  been  re- 
called ; I will  say  further  that  in  that  event,  I believe  your  labors  would  have 


109 


been  highly  appreciated  by  the  mission,  both  as  a preparatory  work  for  the  Mo- 
hammedans and  as  a means  of  securing  for  this  mission  from  the  ruling  class 
[Persians]  confidence  and  respect.  Having  said  this  much,  it  will  be  evident 
to  you  that  I do  not  think  the  Committee  have  dealt  with  you  leniently,  or  with 
an  enlarged  and  liberal  view  to  the  interests  of  the  cause.  Does  not  the  action 
of  the  Committee  judge  them?  Can  they  consistently  recall  one  as  a disturber 
of  the  public  peace,  that  they  can  conscientiously  discharge  honorably?” 

The  foregoing  statements  fully  demonstrate  that  the  assertion  about  the  uni- 
versal sentiment  in  the  mission  on  the  leniency  of  my  recall,  can  only  be  sus- 
tained by  the  trite  argument  that  “ the  exception  proves  the  rule.”  In  regard 
to  the  “ bitterness  ” which  escaped  the  lips  and  pens  of  some,  after  I left  them, 
I am  inclined  to  think  it  was  temporary,  and  perhaps  excited  in  great  part  by  un- 
founded reports  and  surmises  which  reached  them  from  America,  in  which  I was 
calumniously  represented  as  charging  them  with  squandering,  in  the  most  ex- 
travagant manner,  missionary  funds,  as  noticed  in  a former  part  of  this  narrative  ; 
and  this  opinion  is  corroborated  by  some  epistolary  statements  in  my  possession. 

The  “ bitterness”  of  my  brethren  at  Oroomiah,  whatever  it  was  in  kind  or  de- 
gree, is  not,  I think,  to  be  charged  wholly  to  their  account,  but  that  all  who  have 
reported  to  them  false  or  exaggerated  stories,  or  tempted  them  with  inquiries 
suited  to  awaken  prejudice  against  me,  must  come  in  for  a share  in  these  “ bit- 
ter things.”  I cannot  divest  myself  of  the  belief  that  even  those  most  opposed 
to  “ certain  opinions  held  by  me,”  and  notwithstanding  the  secret  information 
even,  were  yet  sincere  in  their  professions  of  friendship  and  regard ; and  while 
most  excited  by  themselves  or  others  they  still  remembered  kindness  for  me  “ as 
a man  and  as  a Christian.”  My  objectionable  opinions  were  merely  those  op- 
posed to  a temporizing  and  mercenary  policy,  with  the  belief  that  the  evangeli- 
zation of  the  world  will  prove  a protracted  work,  and  must  be  met  with  corres- 
ponding perseverance  and  faith. 

In  proof  of  the  sincerity  of  the  friendly  professions  above  alluded  to,  is  the 
following  quotation  from  a letter  dated  ‘ Oroomiah,  April  28,  1846.’  The  wri- 
ter says,  “ I am  satisfied  that  there  is  a great  deal  of  brotherly  regard  on  the 
part  of  all  here  towards  you.  If  you  think  you  discover  in  your  past  relations 
with  us  what  is  altogether  inconsistent  with  this,  remember  how  difficult  it  is  to 
look  at  all  times  with  proper  charity  and  kindliness  on  one  who  will  not  pro- 
nounce distinctly  our  shibboleth.’' 

My  letter  to  Mr.  Frelinghuysen  had  been  deposited  at  the  Missionary  House, 
and  Dr.  Anderson  had  prepared  a history  of  my  case  with  allusions  to  this  let- 
ter, which  account  was  understood  to  be  intended  for  the  archives  of  the  Board, 
and  consequently  for  the  benefit  of  future  historians.  In  the  conference,  he 
read  a passage  from  his  history  of  the  matter,  in  which  he  endeavored  to  show 
that  I had  taken  unfair  advantage  of  certain  passages  from  his  pen,  written  un- 
der ‘ great  pressure  of  business,’  to  sustain  my  labors  for  the  Persians,  whereas, 
as  he  insisted,  I had  been  evidently  instructed  to  turn  aside  to  the  Nestorians, 


no 


which  however,  I think  no  candid,  impartial  mind  in  view  of  all  the  statements 
I have  adduced,  under  various  dates  in  this  narrative,  will  admit.  He  endeav- 
ored to  support  that  view  by  attempting  to  show  “ how  nonsensical”  all  the  in- 
structions about  my  being  associated  with  the  Nestorian  mission  must  be,  on 
the  supposition  that  I was  still  allowed  to  labor  chiefly  for  the  Persians.  I shall 
not  undertake  to  prove  that  there  has  been  no  ‘ nonsense’  in  the  proceedings  of 
even  some  great  and  good  men,  but  I must  earnestly  protest  against  being  pun- 
ished for  the  blunders  of  others.  The  whole  of  Dr.  Anderson’s  history  of  the 
case  did  not  transpire,  but  I venture  to  presume,  as  I afterwards  told  him,  that 
it  would  not  be  difficult  to  answer  it  fully  in  every  particular. 

I had  supposed  that  this  conference  would  lead  to  some  definite  result,  but  af- 
ter one  long  session  in  which  it  was  distinctly  understood,  and  expressly  de- 
clared, that  nothing  was  alleged  implicating  my  Christian  and  ministerial  char- 
acter, Dr.  Ely  declaring  as  his  opinion  on  the  case,  that,  ‘ there  appeared  to 
have  been  a misunderstanding  between  the  executive  and  myself  respecting  my 
instructions,’  the  conference  was  broken  up  and  each  went  his  way. 

I was  disappointed,  but  waited  in  patience.  At  length  Dr.  Ely  wrote  to  Dr. 
Anderson  again  on  the  subject,  and  under  date  of  ‘ Feb.  17,  1846,’  received  an 
answer  from  which  I make  the  following  extract.  “ In  reply  to  what  I under- 
stand to  be  the  drift  of  your  letter,  I would  say  that,  while  I cannot  undertake 
to  decide  for  the  Prudential  Committee,  my  belief  is  that,  as  the  case  now 
stands,  should  Mr.  Merrick  ask  for  a release  from  his  connection  with  the 
Board,  it  would  be  granted  in  the  usual  form,  and  that  neither  the  resolution, 
nor  the  letter  conveying  that  resolution,  would  contain  a censure.  Mr.  Mer- 
rick probably  has  a case  or  two  in  view,  where  it  was  deemed  necessary,  in 
the  letter  conveying  the  proceedings  of  the  Committee,  to  embody  some  things 
to  the  disadvantage  of  the  individual.  It  seems  to  me  that  we  have  said  all  of 
this  nature  to  Mr.  Merrick,  in  our  past  correspondence,*  which  it  is  important 
we  should  say  ; unless  he  himself  shall  give  some  new  aspect  to  the  case.  The 

usual  form  of  the  resolution,  of  late  years,  is,  that be,  at  his  own  request 

released  from  his  connection  with  the  Board.  I suppose  the  letter  containing 
this  resolution  will  be  very  brief,  expressive  of  kind  wishes  for  future  usefulness.” 

This  letter  having  been  communicated  to  me,  I wrote  Dr.  Anderson  on  the 
26th  of  February,  saying,  “ In  a recent  interview  with  Dr.  Ely  he  exhibited  a 
letter  lately  received  from  you,  in  which  you  express  the  opinion  that  the  Com- 
mittee would  give  rne  the  usual  form  of  discharge,  free  from  censure  in  every 
respect,  (if  we  understand  you,)  that  is,  in  the  resolution  itself  and  in  the  let- 
ter conveying  it,  provided,  I should  formally  apply  for  a dismission  from  the 
Board. 

“ Allow  me  however  respectfully  to  inquire  if  the  Committee  will  not  recon- 
sider my  recall  and  restore  me  to  the  people  for  whom  my  heart’s  desire  and 


Quoted  in  the  foregoing  pages. 


Ill 


prayer  to  God  is  that  they  may  be  saved.  I feel  in  duty  bound  to  make  this  ap- 
peal for  Persia.  But  if  the  Committee  decline  returning  me  to  that  land,  I then 
ask  if  they  will  give  me  an  appointment  to  the  Turkey  mission,  or  to  any  other 
mission  under  their  patronage.  I hope  these  inquiries  will  meet  at  least  a can- 
did reception. 

“ I have  now  been  “ an  accepted  missionary  of  the  Board”  for  twelve  years, 
the  resolution  designating  me  “ to  the  Mohammedans  of  Persia,”  being  dated 
the  25th  of  February  1834.  Although  in  the  language  of  the  prophet,  or  of 
Him  in  whose  name  the  prophet  spake  “ I have  labored  in  vain,  I have  spent 
my  strength  for  nought,  and  in  vain  ; yet  surely  my  judgment  is  with  the  Lord, 
and  my  work  with  my  God.”  To  His  cause  in  Persia  these  years  have  been 
devoted,  and  however  vainly  in  one  view,  yet  appropriately  in  another,  and  to 
my  God  I can  cheerfully  commit  the  whole  matter.  Though  I have  only  in 
part  and  in  degree  endured  what  the  apostle  describes  as  portions  of  his  expe- 
rience in  2 Cor.  11  : 26,  27,  yet  I can  truly  say  that  I have  had  it  in  my  heart 
to  benefit  Persia,  and  have  steadily  labored  with  this  view,  and  however  misun- 
derstood or  censured  by  man,  I humbly  trust  it  will  not  be  wholly  in  vain  in 
the  Lord.” 

On  the  12th  of  March,  Dr.  Anderson  favored  me  with  the  following  reply,  “ Mr. 
Greene  informed  you  that  your  letter  of  26th  ult.  was  received,  and  that  I was 
then  absent.  I reached  home  late  on  Monday  evening,  and  read  your  letter  to 
the  Committee  next  day.  As  you  probably  w’ould  infer  from  past  correspondence 
and  from  the  tenor  of  our  personal  conference  when  you  were  last  with  us,  the 
Committee  would  not  feel  at  liberty  to  accede  to  your  requests  in  relation  to 
your  renewing  your  mission  to  the  Muslims  of  Persia,  or  joining  some  other 
mission  under  the  care  of  the  Board.” 

Thus  it  was  declared  that  the  executive  would  not  reconsider  my  recall,  nor 
give  me  an  appointment  to  any  missionary  station  under  their  care.  They  cut 
me  off  absolutely  and  entirely  from  the  service  of  the  Board,  and  as  they  had 
abolished  the  Persian  mission  contrary  to  my  repeated  remonstrances  and 
most  earnest  entreaties,  so,  though  no  valid  cause  of  complaint  was  found  or 
preferred  against  me,  they  nevertheless  refused  me  a place  among  the  missiona- 
ries of  the  Board,  and  repaid  my  twelve  years  service  with  reproach  and  the 
stigma  of  their  official  censure. 

What  more  could  I have  done  to  testify  not  only  my  devotion  to  the  Persian 
mission,  but  my  steadfast  adherence  to  the  cause  of  the  Board.  The  responsi- 
bility of  stopping  my  missionary  labors,  with  all  its  consequences  to  myself  and 
others,  for  time  and  for  eternity,  had  been  wholly  assumed  by  the  executive. 
The  blood  of  souls  in  foreign  lauds,  which  might  otherwise  have  been  laid  to  my 
account,  was  thus  claimed  by  others,  who  must  now  answer  at  the  judgment  to 
the  cry  of  Muslim  souls  lost  for  lack  of  knowledge,  through  the  withdrawal  of  a 
feeble  yet  devoted  instrumentality.  Kind  Heaven  grant  that  the  doom  may  be 


112 


averted,  and  that  none  concerned  in  this  matter  may  share  the  reward  of  those 
who  in  the  lowly  Saviour’s  day,  took  away  the  key  of  knowledge,  while  they 
pleaded  loudly  for  the  cause  of  God.  Contrary  to  my  own  wish  and  will,  I was 
free  from  further  obligation  of  personal  devotion  to  the  missionary  work,  until 
divine  Providence  should  open  another  door  and  lead  me  forth  by  another  way. 

I had  resolved  and  declared  that  I would  accept  none  but  an  honorable  dis- 
charge from  the  Board,  and  Dr.  Anderson  having  signified  that  such  a dismis- 
sion, in  due  form,  free  from  all  censure,  would  be  given  by  the  executive,  and 
there  being  no  further  object  to  secure  by  deferring  my  resignation,  I visited 
Boston  in  the  beginning  of  April  1846,  and  in  personal  interviews  with  Dr.  An- 
derson having  arranged  the  terms  upon  which  I should  be  dismissed,  on  the  6th 
of  the  above  month  I sent  in  to  him  the  following  letter  of  resignation,  of  which 
I simply  omit  the  address  and  conclusion. 

“ Circumstances  having  induced  me  to  ask  a dismission,  in  the  usual  form, 
from  the  service  of  the  American  Board  of  Commissioners  for  Foreign  Missions, 
I hereby  tender  my  resignation  of  the  appointment  which  I have  held  under 
their  patronage  for  more  than  twelve  years,  and  request  to  be  released  from 
my  missionary  connection  with  said  Board. 

“ In  reference  to  my  pecuniary  relations  to  the  Board,  you  are  already  in- 
formed that  I drew  on  the  mission  at  Constantinople  sufficient  to  meet  my  ex- 
penses in  returning  thence  to  America,  and  sent  what  I supposed  would  enable 
Mrs.  Merrick  to  rejoin  me  in  this  country.  She  has  incidentally  informed  me 
that  she  had  drawn  fifty  three  pounds  since  being  in  England  to  meet  expenses 
there. 

“ I have  also  stated  to  you  that  besides  leaving  books  and  valuable  house  re- 
pairs at  Oroomiah,  I left  furniture  there,  on  account  of  the  Board,  which  I have 
since  been  informed  was  sold  at  auction,  among  the  brethren  of  that  station, 
“ for  about  one  hundred  tomans,”  [$240,]  although  its  actual  value  was  con- 
siderably more. 

“ To  meet  the  expenses  of  the  past  six  months  residence  in  America,  and  to 
provide  limitedly  for  current  expenses,  I shall  probably  need  three  hundred  dol- 
lars or  more,  it  being  impossible  for  me  now  to  determine  precisely  the  neces- 
sary amount. 

“ The  books  which  I brought  from  Persia,  and  forwarded  to  the  Missionary 
House,  and  likewise  the  Persian  chronological  Roll,  may  be  of  interest  and  value 
to  me  hereafter,  and  if  not  needed  in  another  sphere,  I respectfully  request  that, 
in  some  way  to  be  determined  by  the  Committee,  I may  repossess  these  memen- 
toes of  my  adopted  land  from  which  I have,  so  reluctantly,  been  separated. 

“ Please  present,  my  dear  Sir,  this  my  resignation  to  the  executive  of  the 
Board,  and  on  their  granting  my  request  with  the  usual  form  of  discharge,  and 
settling  satisfactorily  the  business  matters  it  involves,  be  so  kind  as  to  communi- 
cate the  same  to  me.” 

In  reply  to  the  foregoing  letter  the  two  following  communications,  both  dated 


113 


‘ April  7,  1846,’  were  duly  received,  and  of  which  for  brevity’s  sake  I omit  tha 
address  and  conclusion. 

“ Your  letter  of  the  6th  inst.,  requesting  a release  from  your  connection  with 
the  Board,  was  read  to  the  Prudential  Committee  at  their  meeting  today,  and 
the  following  resolution  was  adopted  ; viz. 

‘ “ Resolved, — That  the  Rev.  James  L.  Merrick  be,  at  his  own  request,  re- 
leased from  his  connection  with  the  Board.” 

“ This  is  the  usual  form  of  resolutions  of  dismission  ; and,  in  communicating 
it,  (which  I am  obliged  to  do  in  a letter  written  while  the  business  of  the  Com- 
mittee is  in  progress,  expecting  to  be  absent  for  two  days  to  come,)  I express 
my  strong  desire,  that  you  may  be  placed  where  you  may  be  eminently  useful  lo 
the  cause  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.” 

The  other  communication  accompanying  the  above  note  was  as  follows  : 

“ As  I must  go  to  Andover  early  in  the  morning,  expecting  to  be  absent  tw© 
days,  and  therefore  cannot  communicate  verbally  with  you,  I take  another  sheet, 
— after  writing  you  the  result  of  your  application  for  a release  from  your  connec- 
tion with  the  Board, — to  tell  you  the  result,  in  respect  to  the  other  matters  in 
your  letter  of  the  6th. 

“ The  following  extract  from  the  minutes  of  the  Committee  covers  the  sub- 
ject of  the  pecuniary  claims  ; viz. 

‘ “ The  Committee  having  considered  the  subject  of  Mr.  Merrick’s  pecuniary 
claims  on  the  Board,  and  being  disposed  to  deal  liberally  with  him,  it  was  also 

‘ “ Resolved, — That  a grant  of  five  hundred  dollars  be  made  to  him,  to  be  re- 
ceived by  him  in  full  for  his  pecuniary  claims  on  the  Board.” 

“ The  Committee  also  voted  to  present  to  you  the  Persian  books  which  yon 
brought  home,  and  the  Persian  "Chronological  Roll,  believing  that  they  will  turn 
to  better  account  in  your  hands,  than  they  probably  would  in  our  Library. 

“ You  will  find  the  books  and  the  Roll  in  the  corner  of  my  small  room,  and 
can  take  them  whenever  you  please. 

“ The  Treasurer  will  see  you  at  any  time  in  relation  to  the  grant. 

“ I shall  be  happy  to  have  you  call  upon  me,  and  both  Mrs.  Anderson  and 
myself  will  be  pleased  to  make  the  acquaintance  of  Mrs.  Merrick  on  her  arrival 
in  this  country.” 

In  reference  to  my  pecuniary  claims  on  the  Board,  it  is  proper  to  say,  that  I 
had  been  kept  in  suspense  half  a year  after  my  return  to  America,  and  moreover, 
according  to  what  I understand  to  be  a virtual  rule  in  such  cases,  current  ex 
penses  to  a limited  amount  might  also  be  expected.  The  expense  of  Mrs.  Mer 
rick’s  journey  to  England,  on  account  of  severe  ill  health,  was  no  additional 
charge  to  the  Board.  According  to  usage  in  such  cases,  she  was  entitled  to 
draw  necessary  support  from  the  Board,  and  although  she  was,  of  course,  gratu- 
itously and  gladly  entertained  by  her  friends,  yet  her  incidental  expenses  during 
her  long  visit  in  England,  were  considerably  more,  as  I have  since  learned,  than 
15 


114 


the  sum  stated  in  my  letter  of  resignation.  Dr.  Anderson  told  me  expressly 
that  he  saw  nothing  to  object  in  that  letter;  would  it  not  have  been  proper  then, 
in  referring  to  this  settlement  to  have  recognized  my  legal  claims  on  the  Board 
when  noticed  in  the  Annual  Report  for  1S46,  where,  from  the  absence  of  any 
explanation,  the  inference  may  fairly  be  drawn  that  the  “grant”  specified  was 
a free  gift  of  tlie  executive  to  a recalled  missionary. 

When  I was  dismissed  from  the  service  of  the  Board,  the  requests  I had  made 
of  the  Committee  on  my  arrival  in  America  were  complied  with,  except  that  Dr. 
Anderson  would  not  allow  me  copies  of  his  letters  to  the  Nestorian  mission,  to 
which  I certainly  had  a claim  as  a member  of  the  mission  when  those  letters 
were  received  at  Oroomiah,  and  as  they  related,  in  part,  to  myself  personally. 

The  books  which  the  executive  kindly  returned  to  me,  and  for  which  they 
have  my  sincere  thanks,  were  a small  number  that  I had  purchased  from  time  to 
time  with  funds  appropriated  annually  to  my  use.  The  library  and  furniture 
I had  collected,  and  the  valuable  house  repairs  I had  found  it  necessary  to  make, 
were  secured  by  strict  economy  and  a careful  use  of  the  appropriations  made  to 
me,  and  were  left  for  the  benefit  of  the  mission  and  the  Board,  and  in  actual 
value  much  exceeded  the  “ grant”  with  which  I was  rewarded.  I brought  back 
some  books  “sheets  and  changes  of  raiment,”  much  of  which  was  placed  in  my 
outfit  by  kind  friends  of  Charleston,  S.  C.,  and  among  other  things,  I wore  sev- 
eral times,  on  my  first  arrival  at  Boston,  a Charleston  coat  of  the  style  of  1834, 
and  I finally  reached  my  father’s  house  on  the  1st  of  October  1845,  with  pre- 
cisely two  dollars  and  seventy-four  and  a half  cents  in  my  pocket. 

Twelve  years,  the  prime  of  manhood,  chiefly  amid  the  toils  and  dangers  of 
foreign  climes,  had  been  spent  in  the  service  of  the  Board,  when,  worn  by  care, 
labor,  exposure  and  reproach,  I was  finally  dismissed  to  find,  as  best  I might, 
another  sphere,  where  prejudice  and  suspicion  were  hastening  in  advance  to 
hedge  up  my  path  and  hinder  my  usefulness.  Many  people  seem  to  entertain  the 
opinion  that  men  high  in  office  and  popular  favor,  though  not  called  infallible, 
are  yet  too  wise  and  too  good  to  err,  and  consequently  that  wiioever  falls  under 
their  censure  deserves  of  course  the  full  measure  of  condemnation  denounced 
against  him.  But  while  no  report  against  any  man  should  be  received  and  acted 
on  without  candid  examination  and  competent  evidence,  be  he  in  or  under  au- 
thority, yet  the  weight  which  great  names  carry  in  the  unsteady  balance  of  public 
opinion,  generally  turns  the  scale  against  a humble  appellant  from  those  in  pow- 
er, however  much  he  may  have  been  aggrieved  or  injured.  The  admitted  as- 
sumption of  there  being  '‘great  and  good,  men”  at  the  head  of  the  American 
Board,  was  made  the  specious  and  grand  argument  of  an  indirect  but  violent 
pulpit  attack  upon  me,  in  the  community  of  my  own  friends  and  acquaintances, 
before  I had  been  a month  in  America,  and  soon  after  I had  been  welcomed  to 
the  same  desk  as  a brother.  The  same  presumptuous  argument  has  satisfied 
many  minds  that  have  evinced  no  excess  certainly,  of  discriminatiou,  candor  and 


115 


charity,  while  losing  no  opportunity  to  array  opposition  against  me  and  hinder 
my  usefulness ; and  in  connection  with  other  unfounded  allegations,  this  dog- 
matic sentiment  continues  to  be  urged  by  some  with  that  inveterate  prejudice 
which  would  more  easily  contravene  the  precepts  of  reason  and  mistify  the  doc- 
trines of  revelation,  than  yield  to  the  honest  claims  of  truth  and  justice.  Men 
in  office  are  to  be  honored  and  trusted  according  to  their  ability,  integrity,  and 
faithfulness , but  whoever  has  no  better  argument  to  vindicate  the  doings  of  great 
and  good  men  than  the  mere  fact  of  their  being  in  authority,  is  a fitter  subject 
for  Popery  than  for  Protestantism.  If  the  errors  of  good  men  in  power,  instead 
of  being  corrected,  are  virtually  sanctioned,  who  shall  guaranty  that  our  great 
religious  organizations  will  not,  in  the  rank  soil  of  fallen  nature,  grow  into  the 
assumptions  and  abuses  of  Papal  domination. 

The  dogma  of — “ our  country, — right  or  wrong  !”  has  been  severely  rebuked 
by  many,  who,  however  much  they  love  the  welfare  of  their  own  land  and  peo- 
ple, still  love  truth  and  equity  more,  and  sensibly  feel  that  a righteous  God  will 
surely  vindicate  at  last  the  impartial  claims  of  eternal  justice.  But  the  same 
false  and  pernicious  sentiment  when  insinuated  into  the  supposed  interests  of  a 
venerable,  benevolent  organization,  may  wear  quite  another  aspect  in  the  view 
of  some,  who,  charmed  with  the  object,  take  it  for  granted  that  the  means  in- 
tended to  secure  such  an  end  neither  require  nor  allow  correction.  Our  insti- 
tution,— right  or  wrong  ! may  not  strike  them  as  a welcome  description  of  their 
candor  and  zeal,  yet  while  they  pertinaciously  refuse  even  to  examine  into  the 
merits  of  a case  asking  their  impartial  consideration,  and  hinder  by  all  possible 
means  a fair  investigation  of  the  subject ; while  they  are  ready,  from  ignorance 
or  prejudice,  to  represent  falsely  that  a complaint  urged  against  the  injustice  of 
a few  responsible  persons,  is  nothing  more  nor  less  than  a perverse  attack  on  a 
most  pious  and  important  organization,  nay,  on  the  progress  of  the  Gospel  itself; 
and  while  some  who  are  satisfied  in  their  own  minds  that  an  individual  has  been 
wronged  and  right  principles  contravened  in  a given  case,  and  yet  think  it  bet- 
ter that  he  should  suffer  than  that  the  uniform  wisdom  and  equity  of  certain  high 
in  office  and  popular  favor,  should  be  called  in  question  ; when  all  this  is  done, 
not  by  “ unprincipled  politicians,”  but  by  some  professing  the  utmost  devotion 
to  the  cause  of  truth  and  benevolence, — what  is  it  really  and  practically  but  an 
obstinate  adhesion  to  the  abominable  dogma, — our  institution  ! right  or 
WRONG  ! ! W ould  that  I could  say  that  I had  not  met  all  this  in  my  efforts  to 
obtain  a candid  investigation  of  the  subject  and  principles  which  constitute  the 
ground  of  my  appeal  from  the  unjust  decision  that  has  been  pronounced  against 
me.  I impeach  the  motives  of  no  one,  the  most  severe  against  me  may  think 
he  IS  doing  God  service  by  any  and  every  effort  to  put  down  an  appellant  from 
irresponsible  authority  ; but  where  is  the  candor  that  refuses  to  examine  ? where 
the  integrity  which  will  not  decide  according  to  evidence  and  truth  ? and  where 
is  the  Christian  charity  that  misrepresents  the  object  and  matter  of  appeal  ? in 
a case  involving  not  merely  personal  rights  but  also  evangelical  principles.  Let 


those  who  shout,  “ The  temple  of  the  Lord,  the  temple  of  the  Lord,  are  these  /” 
see  to  it  that  they  ‘ offend  not  one  of  these  little  ones.’ 

Myjdisinission  from  the  service  of  the  Board  did  not  release  me  from  certain 
duties  which  I owed  to  myself,  to  other  and  future  missionaries,  and  above  all 
tojhe  principles  of  the  Gospel  and  the  cause  of  Christ.  These  duties  led  me  to 
seek  an  opportunity  to  lay  some  facts  relative  to  the  Nestorian  mission  and  my 
recall  before  the  public;  but  notwithstanding  an  introductory  article  was  pub- 
lished by  the  Boston  Recorder  in  November  1846,  yet  the  door  was  speedily 
closed  against  discussion,  and  although  aspersed  by  a statement  issued  by  the 
executive  of  the  Board,  and  printed  in  the  same  journal,  still  that  and  several 
other  papers,  which  doubtless  are  considered  by  their  editors  and  patrons  as 
very  liberal  and  true  to  the  cause  of  justice,  refused  to  insert  my  rejoinder  and 
give  me  a hearing  before  an  enlightened  community.  The  influences  that  pro- 
duced this  result  are  of  course  best  known  to  those  concerned  in  the  matter.* 

• Since  the  above  was  written,  to  my  welcome  surprise,  an  elaborate  though  very  censo- 
rious answer  from  the  Nestorian  mission  has  been  published  in  the  Boston  Recorder,  for  June 
24,  1847,  which  paper  admitted  my  reply  on  the  20th  of  July  ; but  in  the  number  for  August 
5th,  with  some  unfounded  statements  and  very  unfair  reflections,  the  editors  “ trust  that  this 
controversy  is  now  closed,  at  least,  so  far  as  their  journal  is  concerned.”  Alas,  where  is  the 
boasted  “ liberty  of  the  press,”  when  those  claiming  to  be  most  liberal  and  candid  yield  to 
influence  and  interest.  But  while  excluding  free  and  fair  discussion,  the  Recorder  can  range 
itself  on  the  strong  side,  w-ith  more  uniform,  if  not  more  scrupulous  defenders  of  “ the  cause,”  and 
Aug.  26  in  an  editorial  on  “ Home  Piety  and  Foreign  Missions,”  with  most  censorious  personal- 
ity can  declare,  “ Not  all  the  rancor  of  certain  returned  missionaries,  who  deserted  their  stations, 
or  were  recalled  for  their  incompetency,  can  weaken  the  trust  which  is  still  reposed  in  the  soci- 
ety founded  and  cherished  by  our  fathers  of  the  last  generation.”  When  a request  for  a can- 
did investigation  of  facts  is  denounced  as  ’■'•rancor;''  when  ‘ desertion’  and  ” incompctency” 
are  so  unscrupulously  imputed  to  some  who  have  labored  for  years  in  tlie  foreign  field,  from 
which  they  were  withdrawn,  only  by  an  unwarrantable  policy,  there  is  indeed  too  much 
cause  to  fear  that  “ home  piety"  has  by  no  means  kept  pace  with  indiscriminate  zeal,  at  least, 
in  “ certain”  professed  leaders  of  the  host. 

And  not  only  does  the  Recorder  attempt  to  quicken  “ home  piety”  by  calumnious  insinua- 
tions against  “ certain  returned)  missionaries,”  but  with  more  comprehensive  censure,  in  an 
editorial.  Sept.  9th  on  “ The  meeting  of  the  Board,”  a call  to  prayer  is  sounded  in  behalf  of 
this  Institution,  because  “ some  good  men,  and  more  who  are  anything  but  good,  are  inspect- 
ing it  with  severest  scrutiny.”  Moreover  prayer  is  asked  for  “ all  who  are  in  its  employ, 
that  they  may  be  delivered  from  weak  brethren  and  from  false  brethren,  from  “ wicked  and 
unreasonable  men.”  And  furthermore  it  is  urged,  “ when  \ve  consider  the  spirit  of  division 
which  prevails,  and  which  affects  even  good  men,  (or  such  as  are  ” a sort  of  good,  but  are 
not  quite  the  real  thing, with  dangerous  tendencies,  and  a disposition  to  extremes,  we  have 
another  reason  for  prayer.”  To  all  this  might  not  the  Recorder  in  its  fresh  zeal  for  the  Board, 
and  all  journals  that  take  the  same  way  “ to  provoke  unto  love,  and  to  good  works,”  suggest  a 
petition  for  more  of  Michael’s  temper  wdien  contending  with  supposed  demons  i Does  “ the 
cause"  require  that  “ railing  accusation”  and  gross  impeachment  of  motives  and  character 
should  be  fulminated  against  all  who  are  not  wholly  convinced  of  the  infallibility  and  immac- 
ulate exaltation  of  some  men,  who,  with  good  intentions  doubtless,  lord,  or  laud  it  in  the 
great  name  of  the  venerable  Board  ? Had  ‘ certain  rancorous,  incompetent  deserters’  from  the 


117 


But  with  a conscious  sense  of  truth  and  integrity  on  my  side,  I find  abundant 
reason  to  encourage  myself  in  the  Lord,  and  to  commit  all  my  hopes  and  in- 
terests to  His  gracious  care,  beseeching  Him  to  overrule  “ these  light  afSic- 
tions”  and  all  events  to  the  furtherance  of  the  Gospel,  especially  among  the 
people  for  whom  my  heart’s  desire  and  prayer  to  God  is  that  they  may  be  saved. 

From  time  to  time  I have  been  informed  that  the  voice  of  censure  and  re- 
proach was  still  uttering  against  me  hard  things,  as  if  with  the  view  of  justify- 
ing the  greater  injury  so  hastily  inflicted.  It  seems  even  to  be  feared  that  a 
stranger  personally,  to  both  parties,  may  entertain  too  favorable  an  opinion  of  a 
recalled  missionary.  Under  date  of'  1st  Oct.  1846’  the  Rev.  Dr.  Glen,  of 
Edinburgh,  wrote  me,  saying,  “ I have  learned  that  Dr.  Anderson  has  informed 
Dr.  Keith  that  you  had  been  dismissed  by  the  Board.  The  Doctor  had  sent  to 
the  Board  a letter  of  thanks  for  your  services  in  translating  his  Evidence  of 
Prophecy,  and  informing  them,  through  Dr.  A.,  that  it  was  being  printed  ; — and 
Dr.  Anderson  in  acknowledging  the  Doctor’s  letter  had  taken  occasion  to  ap- 
pend your  dismission — a step  for  which  there  was  no  call.  I set  the  Doctor 
right  as  to  the  position  you  occupied.”  It  may  indeed,  to  some,  seem  out  of 

foreign  field,  spoken  of  their  brethren  at  home  or  abroad,  as  “ weak  and  false,”  and  of  their 
opponents  in  general  as  “ wicked  and  unreasonable  men,”  and  with  classical  refinement  al- 
lowed the  best  of  all  who  differed  from  them  in  sentiment,  to  be  only  “ a sort  of  good,  but  not 
quite  the  real  thing,”  what  an  uproar  had  not  been  raised  (to  borrow  a phrase  from  one  of  those 
prejudiced  “ great  and  good  men”  respecting  my  first  article,)  against  such  a most  artful 
and  malignant  attack”  on  the  best  characters  and  operations  of  the  age.  But  it  alters  the 
case,  when  the  “ great  and  good”  proclaim  the  ban  against  humbler  names  denounced  for 
a conscientious  adherence  to  Gospel  principles,  and  in  so  righteous  a war  the  present  Ge- 
nius of  the  good  old  Recorder,  may  perhaps  win  something  more  than  mere  “ golden  opin- 
ions.” The  journal  certainly  has  ray  sincere  thanks  and  best  wishes  for  its  two  favors, 
although  followed  by  such  reproachful  censure. 

In  seeking  opportunity  through  the  public  press  to  explain  the  position  to  which  the  execu- 
tive of  the  Board  had  so  unwarrantably  driven  me,  1 was  necessitated  to  call  in  question  the 
former  policy  of  the  Nestorian  mission,  opposition  to  whose  measures  was  expressly  assigned 
as  a principal  reason  for  my  recall ; and  as  1 must  of  course  commence  with  a statement  of 
facts,  justice  to  myself  and  to  the  principles  I had  so  long  advocated,  required  that  1 should 
select  a case  bearing  the  broad  stamp  of  the  policy  1 had  opposed.  This  necessarily  involv- 
ed the  doings  of  some  of  my  respected  colleagues,  whose  motives  and  piety  however,  1 have 
been  far  from  impeaching.  1 have  ever  freely  conceded  that  their  most  exceptionable  meas- 
ures may  have  growm  out  of  their  understanding  of  the  direct  and  implied  instructions  of  the 
executive.  That  personal  implication  and  inveterate  prejudice  should  multiply  objections 
both  against  the  matter  and  manner  of  my  introductory  article  and  subsequent  replies,  is  of 
course  to  be  expected,  although  well-informed  candor  and  charity  may  approve  the  motives 
which  prompted  those  statements  and  the  spirit  and  style  of  all  my  communications.  The  same 
characters  will  no  doubt  raise  similar  objections  to  this  appeal  to  the  Board,  since  in  their 
view,  nothing  can  justify  an  investigation  which  may  prove  their  favorites  erroneous.  It  is 
confidently  believed  however,  that  not  a few  will  agree  in  the  opinion  that  truth  and  equity 
are  more  important  than  the  claims  of  authority  and  expediency,  and  that  the  conversion  of 
the  world_rests  noton  the  fallible  wisdom  of  man  but  on  the  gracious  power  ot  God. 


118 


place  that  anyone  should  thank  a recalled  missionary  for  having  performed  a la- 
borious service,  but  where  is  the  charity  of  taking  a needless  step  to  excite 
prejudice  in  the  mind  of  a distant  stranger. 

Not  long  after  my  return  to  America,  I was  informed  that  it  was  reported  by 
a member  of  the  executive,  that  I had  been  of  little  use  as  a missionary,  having 
passed  my  time  in  idleness  or  unimportant  pursuits,  which  indeed  was  insinuated 
in  Dr.  Anderson’s  letter  of  November  loth  I8J4.  And  so  impressed  with  this 
idea  does  he  seem  to  be,  that  in  his  conference  already  alluded  to,  with  a circle 
of  friends  in  Brattleboro,  in  April  1847,  he  declared  that,  “ I travelled  extensive- 
ly, acquired  the  language,  but  accomplished  little,  owing  to  the  state  of  the 
country  or  want  of  tact.”  I certainly  have  not  cultivated  the  “ tact”  of  “ ma- 
king a fair  show  in  the  flesh,”  as  if  the  whole  cause  hinged  on  my  instrumen- 
tality, but  having  conscientiously  endeavored  to  do  my  duty,  I can  well  bear  as 
its  reward,  calumnious  aspersions.  I have  heard  myself  taxed  with  obstinacy, 
and  culpable  rejection  of  proper  authority,  and  anon  have  been  informed  that 
the  opinion  had  been  sent  from  the  Missionary  House  to  Oroomiah  that  my 
course  had  been  condemned  by  the  divine  witness  of  a revival  among  the  Nesto- 
rians,  a year  after  I had  left  that  mission.  I do  not  assert  that  in  these  and 
other  calumnious  charges  and  insinuations  which  have  been  raised  against  me, 
any  one  has  been  guilty  of  toilful  misrepresentation  and  intentiotial  slander,  but 
1 solemnly  aver,  as  I think  my  testimonials  prove  that  these,  accusations  are  uti- 
fouiided,  unjust,  unkind,  and  untrue.  While,  ready  to  confess  my  errors  and 
short  comings,  I appeal  to  Him  who  judgeth  righteously  to  defend  me  from  the 
cruel  aspersions  of  prejudiced  and  misinformed  judgments. 

In  the  conference  at  Brattleboro,*  which  partook  of  a formal  and  semi-official 
character,  and  to  which  repeated  reference  has  been  made  in  this  narrative.  Dr. 
Anderson,  in  relation  to  my  supposed  stay  on  shipboard,  and  my  declining  an 
interview  without  witnesses,  declared  “ that  the  Committee  on  that  occasion 
treated  me  with  great  forbearance.”  But  in  view  of  all  the  facts  which  have 
been  stated,  is  it  not  abundantly  evident  that  the  forbearance  exerccised  in  this 
case,  has  been  on  the  side  of  the  injur^-d  party,  and  that  the  executive  and  their 
supporters  have  pursued  an  aggressive  course  throughout  the  whole  matter. 
Had  the  executive  been  in  a less  forbearing  mood  on  my  return,  what  more 
could  they  have  inflicted  on  me?  Are  there  dungeons  and  “ instruments  of  dis- 
cipline’' already  under  the  Missionary  House?  or  did  they  only  forbear  to  cut 
me  off  from  the  Board,  (because  I insisted  on  the  presence  of  witnesses,)  and 
thus  to  furnisli  the  most  valid  ground  for  a legal  suit  for  well  deserved  damages, 
or  at  least  to  have  shown  a great  want  of  fairness  in  business  transactions.  I 
had  been  wronged,  and  had  a plain  right  to  demand  the  presence  of  friends, 

* 1 supplied  the  pulpit  in  that  place  for  several  months  in  the  summer  and  autumn  of  1846, 
and  my  past  relations  to  the  Board  were  inquired  into  by  friends  there,  to  satisfy  whom  Dr.  A. 
visited  Brattleboro. 


119 


which  indeed  would  have  been  a reasonable  request  had  I been  ever  so  guilty. 
Surely  I did  wisely  by  insisting  on  it. 

In  respect  to  the  late  revival  al^Oroomiah,  it  ought  rather  to  be  traced  to  the 
improved  policy  of  the  mission,  than  regarded  as  Heaven’s  own  seal  against  my 
advocacy  of  principles  and  measures  which,  substantially,  the  executive  ordered 
and  the  mission  adopted  at  and  since  my  recall.  Not  a few  revivals  have  been 
proclaimed  where  peculiar  notions,  which  most  believers  do  not  receive,  were 
prominently  held  ; but  are  these  seasons  of  religious  interest  God’s  approving 
seal  to  the  utmost  views  of  Perfectionism,  or  the  wildest  schemes  of  modern 
Adventism  ? The  Most  High  may  bless  His  own  cause  not  only  for  the  faith- 
fulness of  His  people,  but  notwithstanding  some  errors  to  which  they  may  cling. 
May  not  the  prayers  of  the  churches,  and  the  prayers  of  misjudged  and  injured 
members  of  that  mission,  have  come  up  in  connection  with  their  own  petitions, 
with  acceptance  in  its  behalf. 

One  of  the  most  aggravated  charges  urged  against  me  is  the  calumnious  mis- 
representation that  I am  an  assailant  of  the  Board,  and  hostile  to  its  interests. 
Nothing  that  I have  ever  said,  written,  or  done,  can  be  fairly  and  honestly  con- 
strued into  the  least  corroboration  of  such  an  unfounded  allegation.  So  far  from 
being  an  assailant,  I am  merely  an  appellant,  beseeching  the  Board,  by  all  its 
high  responsibilities,  to  see  to  it  that  the  cause  does  not  suffer,  by  the  direct  or 
indirect  infringement  of  right  principles.  If  the  Board  refuse  me  a hearing  ; if 
they  reaffirm  all  that  the  executive,  under  mistaken  views,  have  done ; if  they 
practically  set  aside  the  great  principles  of  equity,  and  virtually  adopt  the 
maxims  of  Jesuitical  policy  in  their  proceedings  ; then  indeed,  in  so  far  as  this 
venerable  organization  may,  from  any  cause,  and  on  any  occasion,  recede  from 
Gospel  principles  of  truth  and  righteousness,  must  I also  confess  an  opposition 
to  the  Board  ; but  till  this  is  done,  let  no  one  who  has  given  less  of  life  with  all 
its  prospects  and  interests  than  I have  cheerfully  consecrated  to  this  cause,  no 
comfortable,  home-bound  zealot,  reproach  me  wrongfully. 

I have,  it  is  true,  a controversy  with  the  executive,  but  I give  even  them  the 
full  credit  of  good  intentions,  while  I appeal  from  their  mistaken  judgment  to 
the  impartial  decision  of  the  Board, — of  the  wise  and  good  everywhere,  and  fi- 
nally and  chiefly  to  Him  who  is  Head  over  all  things  to  the  Church.  Let  His 
Gospel  be  vindicated  and  advanced,  let  His  kingdom  come  and  will  be  done  on 
earth,  and  the  work  of  redemption  be  consummated,  and  my  soul  will  be  satisfied 
with  joy  forever.  All  those  who  have  wronged  me,  whether  by  word  or  deed, 
have  my  sincere  good  wishes  for  their  best  welfare,  for  notwithstanding  their 
mistakes  in  this  matter,  I hope  they  love  the  Lord  Jesus  in  sincerity,  and  my 
prayer  is  that  they,  as  well  as  myself  and  .steadfast  friends,  may  hereafter  have 
grace  to  be  ever  faithful,  always  abounding  in  the  work  of  the  Lord,  forasmuch 
as  we  know  that  evangelical  labor  is  not  in  vain  in  the  Lord. 


120 


A gracious  Providence  gave  me  some  kind  friends  in  Persia,  whose  sympathy 
and  interest  have  followed  me  under  the  censure  and  reproach  I have  been  called 
to  suffer.  They  were  long  and  intimately  acquainted  with  my  manner  of  life  in 
that  land,  and  therefore  ‘ speak  what  they  know,  and  testify  whereof  they  have 
seen.’ 

One  of  my  earliest  acquaintances  at  Tebreez,  to  whom  the  Nestorian  mission 
as  well  as  myself  is  indebted  for  many  favors,  and  who  finally  quitted  Persia 
the  same  season  that  I left  that  country,  was  Edward  W.  Bonham  Esq.  late,  H. 
B.  M.  Consul-General  at  Tebreez.  Having  been  apprised  of  my  recall,  in  a 
letter  to  me  dated — ‘ London  13  March  1846,’  he  says,  “ Without  entering  into 
the  question  at  issue,  which  of  course  it  is  not  my  province  to  do,  I can  only  say 
that  I trust  the  explanations  you  may  come  to  with  your  Society  may  be  satis- 
factory to  you  : they  ought  to  be  so,  if  constant  and  unremitting  application  to 
your  employments,  and  a course  of  conduct  which  commanded  and  gained  the 
respect  of  all  classes  in  that  country,  and  the  esteem  of  all  who  had  the  pleasure 
of  your  acquaintance,  including  many  of  the  chief  Persian  authorities  in  Te- 
breez, has  due  weight.”  Shall  these  considerations,  with  “ unremitting  applica- 
tion,” have  due  weight  ? 

But  while  others  merit  my  heartfelt  thanks  for  many  acts  of  kindness  and 
courtesy,  and  for  expressions  of  unwavering  confidence,  since  my  recall,  the 
writers  of  the  following  testimonials  are  especially  entitled  to  my  warmest  grati- 
tude and  earnest  prayers  for  their  welfare.  If  their  generous  and  noble  sympa- 
thy has  surpassed  any  similar  token  from  my  own  fellow  citizens,  the  circum- 
stances show  that  their  testimony  must  have  been  unbiassed  and  candid,  and 
their  taking  a deep  interest  in  the  salvation  of  their  fellowmen  should  give  their 
evidence  additional  weight. 

Before  presenting  the  testimonial  of  the  Rev.  William  Glen,  D.  D.  the  Per- 
sian translator  of  the  Old  Testament,  it  is  proper  to  introduce  two  or  three  brief 
extracts  from  his  letters,  and  to  premise  that  he  was  once  unjustly  dealt  with  by 
the  executive  of  the  first  benevolent  Society  in  the  world.  In  reference  to  my 
recall,  he  says,  in  November  1845,  “ Altogether,  yours  is  a perplexing  affair  > 
but  such  positions  are  no  new  thing  in  the  missionary  world  ; and  I am  not  with- 
out hopes  that  eventually  good  will  come  out  of  yours,  as  has  been  the  case  with 
some  others,  among  which  I might  mention  one  of  my  own.”  And  in  a note  to 
Mrs.  Merrick  dated  in  January  1846,  on  the  same  subject  he  says,  “ Altogether, 
it  is  a strange  business,  but  not  more  so  than  an  affair  of  my  own,  with  the  Brit- 
ish and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  by  which  I was  in  effect  recalled  from  Astrakhan, 
and  nearly  three  years  elapsed  before  matters  were  got  so  cleared  up  as  to  enable 
me  to  resume  my  labors  in  Persia  instead  of  Russia,  to  the  manifest  advantage 
of  the  Version  [O.  T.  into  Persian.]  Before  this  was  got  done,  however,  I had 
to  print  my  correspondence  with  the  B.  and  F.  Bible  Society,  which  brought 
them  to  their  senses,  and  the  result  was  the  arrangement  I have  mentioned, — with 


121 


the  understanding  that  the  pamphlet  should  not  be  published.  I hope  however,  that 
Mr.  Merrick  will  get  matters  settled  to  his  liking  without  being  laid  under  the 
necessity  of  incurring  the  expense  of  such  a process.”  And  in  a note  to  the 
same  person  in  the  following  month,  he  remarks,  “ It  strikes  me  that  whatever 
the  particular  shape  of  the  result  may  turn  out  to  be,  such  concessions  and  ar- 
rangements will  be  made  by  the  Board  as  to  place  Mr.  Merrick  in  a position 
that  will  give  the  lie  practically  to  the  surmises  which  have  been  got  up  to  his 
disadvantage.”  And  furthur,  in  June  1846,  he  writes  me,  saying,  “ In  your 
case  as  in  mine,  results  unanticipated  either  by  yourself  or  the  Board,  may  yet 
present  themselves  which  shall  lead  all  of  us  to  exclaim,  “ He  hath  done  all  things 
well !” — yes,  well,  not  only  in  their  bearing  on  the  interests  of  his  kingdom  gen- 
erally, but  in  relation  to  that  department  of  it  in  which  you  and  I have  been 
serving.” 

Dr.  Glen’s  testimonial  on  my  case  is  as  follows  ; namely, 

“ I hereby  certify  for  the  information  of  all  whom  it  may  concern,  that  dur- 
ing the  four  years  which  I lately  spent  in  Persia,  translating  the  Old  Testa- 
ment into  the  language  of  that  country,  I had  the  best  opportunity  that  any  mis- 
sionary brother  could  have,  for  observing  the  movements,  noticing  the  acquire- 
ments, and  ascertaining  the  principles,  dispositions,  and  habits,  which  might  be 
supposed  to  fit  or  unfit  the  Rev.  J.  L.  Merrick  for  the  arduous  duties  expected 
of  him  by  his  constituents  in  America,  and  also  for  knowing  the  estimate  form- 
ed of  his  character  by  others  with  whom  he  and  I came  into  contact.  The  result 
of  all  this,  when  I left  Persia  in  1842,  was  an  impression  that  he  was  eminently 
qualified  for  the  position  which,  during  the  greater  part  of  that  time  he  occupied 
in  Tebreez. 

“ As  a secular  agent  for  the  Board,  his  tact  in  doing  business  with  the  Per- 
sian Authorities  and  others  on  behalf  of  the  Oroomiah  missionaries  w'as  ac- 
knowledged by  all ; though,  as  I sometimes  told  him,  it  was  matter  of  regret 
that  so  much  precious  time  should  have  been  spent  in  what  might  be  called 
“ serving  tables,”  which  he  would  most  gladly  have  devoted  to  missionary  work 
had  there  been  another  to  do  the  needful. 

“ And  as  a missionary  agent,  his  application  to  study,  when  not  interrupted 
by  secular  avocations,  was  close  and  methodical,  and  his  knowledge  of  the  lan- 
guage, religion  and  character  of  the  Persians,  extensive  and  accurate  ; while  his 
arrangements  for  progressing  in  the  acquirement  of  every  thing  that  promised 
to  be  useful  to  the  mission,  were,  at  once,  judicious  and  efficient.  Idleness 
therefore,  is  one  of  the  last  infirmities  of  which  I should  ever  have  suspected  he 
might  become  the  victim  ; and  I would  say  the  same  of  obstinacy  in  the  popu- 
lar acceptation  of  the  term.  What  some  might  call  obstinacy,  I w'ould  in  him 
call  conscientious  firmness ; and  were  I called  upon  to  act  on  the  opinion  of  an- 
other, in  a case  where  I had  not  the  necessary  information  to  judge  for  myself, 

I know  of  no  individual  to  whose  opinion  in  regard  to  any  practical  missionary 
16 


122 


question  for  Persia,  I should  pay  more  deference  or  examine  more  carefully,  be- 
fore venturing  to  reject  it  than  his. 

“ In  making  these  statements  I will  not  affect  to  conceal  my  knowledge  that 
Mr.  Merrick  has  been  unexpectedly  recalled  from  his  labors  in  Persia, — a cir- 
cumstance which,  apart  from  some  documents  I have  seen,  leaves  room  for  in- 
ferring that  a different  opinion  has  found  its  way  into  the  chambers  of  the  Pru- 
dential Committee,  and  for  apprehending  that,  though  admitted  to  be  honestly 
given,  it  may  be  thought  in  America,  that,  the  above  statements  should  be  re- 
ceived cum  gram  salts*  as  being  dictated  by  the  partiality  of  friendship  ; and 
therefore  I state  as  a matter  of  fact,  of  the  truth  of  which  I am  conscious,  that 
said  statements  are,  throughout,  coincident  with  the  impressions  I had,  when  in 
the  winter  of  1842 — 3,  I recommended  him  in  the  presence  of  Dr.  Riach  and 
Mr.  Kerr,  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Keith,  as  being  the  fittest  person  I knew  for  transla- 
ting his  Evidence  of  Prophecy  into  Persian, — a recommendation  I never  should 
have  given,  had  I not  known  him  to  be  a first-rate  Persian  scholar,  and  other- 
wise qualified  for  so  difficult  a task.  I am  happy  to  add  that  his  work  is  now  in 
the  press,  and  when  ready  for  circulation,  which  I expect  will  be  soon,  it  will 
speak  for  itself.  Meanwhile  I am  assured  by  an  accomplished  native  Persian 
scholar,  now  studying  medicine  in  this  city,  that  it  will  be  read  by  the  Moham- 
medans with  avidity  ; and  if  so,  it  is  more  likely,  by  the  Divine  blessing,  to  pre- 
pare the  way  more  efficiently  for  the  illumination  of  Persia,  than  any  book,  the 
Bible  excepted,  that  has  hitherto  been  translated  into  that  language  by  English- 
man, German,  or  American. 

“ Given  at  6.  Clarence  Street,  Edinburgh,  on  the  30th  Jan.  1846, 

( Signed, ) By  William  Glen  D.  D.” 

The  following  testimonial  is  from  Col.  Woodfall  whom  I had  the  pleasure  to 
know  in  Persia  at  the  time  when  his  mind  was  strongly  and  tenderly  drawn  to 
the  subject  of  religion,  in  which  season  he  professed  experimental  faith  in  Christ, 
and  has  ever  since  adorned  this  profession  by  a pious  walk  and  devout  conver- 
sation. 

“ Having  been  serving  with  the  British  Detachment  in  Persia  from  1836  to 
1839,  and  having  been  on  terms  of  intimacy  with  the  American  missionaries,  I 
had  during  that  period  many  opportunities  of  observing  and  forming  a judgment 
of  the  character  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Merrick,  and  I can  conscientiously  state  that 
no  man’s  character  could  stand  higher  as  a Christian  and  an  upright  man  ; and 
I believe  that  his  most  earnest  desire  was  the  glory  of  God  and  devotion  to  His 
service  as  a missionary  in  Persia. 

“ I have  also  a high  opinion  of  him  as  a man  of  talent  and  sound  judgment, 
and  I feel  assured  that  Mr.  Merrick  would  not  only  give  a conscientious,  but  at 


Ab  aomewhat  seasoned. 


123 


the  same  time  a correct  opinion,  as  to  any  events  connected  with  the  Lord’s  ser- 
vice in  Persia. 

“ In  conclusion  I would  merely  add  that  Mr.  Merrick  was  highly  esteemed 
by  all  the  members  of  the  Embassy  and  by  the  British  Officers  in  Persia. 

(Signed,)  Geo.  Woodfall, 

Lt.  Colonel,  British  Detachment, 

Lately  serving  in  Persia.” 

The  excellent  and  worthy  man,  who  sent  me  the  subjoined  letter  and  testi- 
monial, was  deservedly  esteemed  by  all  of  every  class  who  knew  him  in  Persia, 
and  his  kindness  to  members  of  the  Nestorian  mission  especially,  entitles  him 
not  only  to  their  gratitude  and  affection,  but  to  the  sincere  thanks  of  the  Board 
of  which  he  is  an  honorary  member. 

On  the  14th  of  February  1846,  Mr.  Riach  wrote  me  on  the  subject  of  my  re- 
call, in  which  letter  he  says,  “ I have  only  one  side  of  the  story  before  me,  but 
from  the  certain  knowledge  I have  of  your  character,  I am  quite  satisfied  that 
the  Board  is  not  carrying  out  in  their  recent  dealings  with  you  the  principles  of 
our  ever  blessed  Redeemer.  I fear,  my  dear  friend,  that  there  is  much  of 
worldly  expediency  in  the  conduct  of  a?/ bodies  constituted  as  the  Board  is,  and 
that  therefore  they  hesitate  not  to  make  use  of  the  world’s  ways  and  the  world’s 
wisdom,  when  they  desire  to  keep  a fair  face  to  the  world,  which  so  materially 
contributes  to  the  funds  of  the  Society.  * * * 

“ When  I look  at  your  course  in  Persia,  I feel  that  you  have  been  very  badly 
treated  by  the  Board,  but  then  from  what  I now  know  of  such  Boards,  I am  by 
no  means  surprised  at  their  conduct.  * * * 

“ I would  most  strongly  oppose  the  system  of  giving  any  men  salaries  (as 
you  allude  to)  merely  for  their  influence,  such  as  I suppose  may  have  been  the 
case  in  regard  to  Mar  Gabriel  and  perhaps  others  of  the  bishops.  And  did 
any  missionary  make  any  one  think  that  invocations  to  the  Saints  was  not  gross 
idolatry,  I would  consider  that  that  missionary  was  a false  teacher,  and  ought 
not  to  be  retained  in  the  field  of  the  Lord.” 

In  reference  to  Nestorian  converts  praying  to  saints,  and  holding  the  old  forms 
of  superstition,  such  as  kissing  the  Cross,  prayers  for  the  dead,  and  others,  I 
have  sufficient  testimony,  and  there  is  much  also  lodged  at  the  Missionary 
House.  The  question  respecting  converts  was  not  distinctly  and  strongly  agita- 
ted before  I left  the  Nestorian  mission  which  leaves  them  in  their  former  church 
relations,  and  has  unfortunately  given  a pledge  to  Persian  and  Russian  Authori- 
ties not  to  proselyte,  that  is,  not  to  turn  Nestorians  from  the  forms  and  faith  of 
their  church.  These  statements  may  suffice  to  explain  the  reference  in  Mr.  Ri- 
ach’s  letter  quoted  above.  His  testimonial,  dated  at  Plymouth,  England,  March 
1846,  is  as  follows  : 

“ While  attached  to  the  Mission  of  the  Queen  of  England  to  the  Court  of 
Persia,  I had  ample  opportunities  of  knowing  the  Rev.  Mr.  Merrick  from  the 


124 


time  of  his  arrival  in  Persia,  till  1841,  \yhen  1 quitted  that  country,  and  while 
we  both  lived  at  Tebreez  I had  the  pleasure  of  becoming  intimately  acquainted 
with  him. 

“ I am  also  personally  acquainted  with  Messrs.  Perkins,  Holladay,  Stocking, 
Jones  and  Wright  of  the  Oroomiah  mission,  and  have  had  twice  the  privilege  of 
living  among  the  missionaries  at  Oroomiah, — I knew  the  late  Dr.  Grant  well. 

“ I love  all  these  dear  people  very  much,  but  there  is  not  one  among  them 
stands  higher  in  my  estimation  than  Mr.  Merrick,  whose  talents  and  judgment 
are  of  a very  superior  order.  I would  consider  any  statement  made  by  Mr. 
Merrick  as  worthy  of  every  credit,  and  I think  he  is  more  likely  than  most  men 
I have  met  with,  to  form  a sound  judgment  of  w'hat  was  right  for  a mission,  or 
a missionary,  to  do  in  Persia. 

“ He  always  seemed  to  me  singularly  cautious  in  his  opinions,  and  quite 
free  from  excitement  or  exaggerated  ideas  and  expectations,  and  I am  sure  he 
would  neither  give,  nor  sanction  statements,  which  would  not  bear  rigid  ex- 
amination, and  possessing  those  qualities  of  mind,  in  addition  to  great  honesty 
and  truthfulness,  I would  consider  all  his  opinions  and  statements  as  worthy  of 
very  great  respect  and  attention. 

“ Mr.  Merrick  was  highly  esteemed  in  Persia,  as  well  by  the  European  Au- 
thorities as  by  the  Persians  of  all  classes,  and  I have  often  myself  heard  Persians 
of  rank  give  expression  to  their  feelings  of  respect  and  esteem  for  him, 

“ Mr.  Merrick  is  an  excellent  Persian  scholar,  and  is  in  every  way  well  fitted 
for  the  work  of  a missionary,  or  as  a teacher  or  translator  of  Persian,  but  I do  not 
believe  that  either  he  or  any  other  man  dare  attempt  openly  and  directly  to  speak 
about  the  Lord  Jesus  to  the  Mohammedans.  Were  such  an  attempt  made  and 
persevered  in,  my  conviction  is,  that  not  only  would  the  life  of  the  person  who 
tried  to  preach  publicly,  be  in  imminent  peril,  but  that  the  lives  of  all  Christians, 
European  and  Native,  would  be  in  extreme  danger,  and  this  danger  is  so  fully 
recognized  by  the  two  European  Missions  at  the  Court  of  Persia,  that  I believe 
the  Ambassadors  of  England  and  of  Russia  would  immediately  use  all  their  great 
power  and  influence  to  have  the  person  attempting  to  preach,  speedily  removed 
from  the  country. 

“ It  would  indeed  grieve  me  if  I thought  that  the  American  Board  for  Mis- 
sions continued  to  refuse  to  give  Mr,  Merrick  every  facility  for  explanation  with 
the  Board  and  the  public  which  his  character  and  services  so  w'ell  deserve. 
And  the  more  his  opinions  and  statements  are  examined  by  those  who  only 
desire  to  know  the  truth,  the  more  I am  satisfied  it  will  be  found  that  his  state- 
ments are  true  and  his  opinions  wise, 

(Signed,)  J.  P.  Riacii, 

Formerly  attached  to  the  British  Mission  in  Persia.” 

In  regard  to  ‘ speaking  about  the  Lord  Jesus  to  Mohammedans,’  my  worthy 
friend  has  explained  himself  to  mean  publicly  and  directly  preaching  the  Gospel 


125 


to  them,  which  cannot  now  be  done,  although  discussions  respecting  Christ  and 
His  religion  may  everywhere  be  engaged  in.  Public  and  pointed  preaching,  in 
the  strictest  sense  of  the  word,  would  be  likely  to  arouse  such  furious  and  in- 
discriminate violence,  that  even  European  authority  might  speedily  be  interposed 
to  arrest  so  unwise  and  dangerous  an  attempt ; while  a judicious  course  of  mis- 
sionary labor  and  influence  would  be  at  once  inoffensive  and  salutary. 

In  the  foregoing  narrative  I have  aimed  to  give  every  statement  correctly  and 
every  view  fairly,  and  if,  in  any  instance,  I have  inadvertently  failed  of  this,  I 
shall  be  thankful  to  any  one  who  will  rectify  the  mistake.  Truth  and  justice 
are  my  object,  and  when  these  are  vindicated  my  cause  is  gained. 

And  now  in  conclusion,  let  me  earnestly  bespeak  not  only  a candid  examina- 
tion and  impartial  judgment  on  this  whole  subject,  but  especially  let  me  entreat 
a kind  thought,  a cordial  interest,  a sincere  prayer,  a Gospel  effbrt  in  behalf  of 
the  people  of  my  missionary  choice,  for,  said  the  devoted  Martyn,  a few  days  be- 
fore leaving  Tebreez  in  1812,  and  a few  weeks  before  he  rested  from  his  toils 
and  sufferings  on  earth,  “ The  way  of  the  kings  of  the  East  is  preparing ; thus 
much  may  be  said  with  safety,  but  little  more.  The  Persians  will  also  proba- 
bly take  the  lead  in  the  march  to  Zion.” 


EERATA. 


Page  11,  line  4,  for  “ conditions” — read — condition. 


(( 

11,  » 

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of  hopeful. 

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